Keaton and Kunis are Magnificent in Goodrich

For families of divorce, the transition is never simple or cut and dry. The children are often the first to suffer from confusion, parents fighting over custody as if the kids are property assets to be divided and the kids often times blame themselves for the split. What’s worse is when a parent disappears with no warning feeling overwhelmed by life and the the family they have helped to create.

Inspired by films like Kramer vs. Kramer and Terms Of Endearment, complex family dynamics have always been at the center of the funny and emotional films.  Andy Goodrich’s (Michael Keaton) life is turned upside down when his wife (Laura Benanti) and mother of nine-year-old twins enters a 90-day rehab program, leaving him on his own.

Overwhelmed on his own and thrust into the world of modern parenthood, Goodrich leans on his daughter from his first marriage, Grace (Mila Kunis), as he ultimately evolves into the father Grace always wanted.

The kids are hilarious. Played respectively by Vivien Lyra Blair (Billie) and Nico Hiraga (Jonny) are absolutely spectacular, particular Vivien who brings some much needed comedy to a very serious subject.

Michael Urie, who plays a queer Dad with a little crush on Andy (Keaton) whose emotions are all over the place.  Yet, you have empathy for him and enjoy a realistic portrayal and not a cartoon characterization of a LGBTQ+ cast member which could only have happened due to the writing and direction of Hallie Meyers-Shyer.

I love Michael Keaton and he never disappoints no matter what role he inhabits.  But, Kunis really steals the show in this film.  As a daughter where everything and everyone comes first in the life of the one person you want to love you the most, she rails on him in a monologue that sits with my spirit to this day. Kunis is an amazingly gifted artist who has yet to be showered with the accolades she deservedly has earned with a now impressive cinematic career.

Produced by Ketchup Entertainment, Goodrich is an enormously emotional and beautifully crafted film that tears the band aid off love, loss, growth, maturity and support with magnificent performances from Mila Kunis and Michael Keaton.

As Shyer writes, “…If life’s not kicking your butt, it’s not doing its job.” and in the end, only three things matter – how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”

Goodrich will make you re-evaluate the judgement on parents who step away for mental reassessment and the ultimate happiness for the family as a unit