"Goodrich" is a leap forward for Hallie Meyers-Shyer, and that's mainly because of smart casting. Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis both have truckloads of charisma; also, they're both graceful and natural onscreen. It's immediately easy to imagine them as a father and daughter.
The predictable part of the plot has Kunis ("Grace") lashing out at Keaton ("Goodrich"). Goodrich was never around during Grace's childhood; Goodrich is needy; Goodrich is routinely late.
In the story's more interesting moments, Grace actually enjoys her father--because she is helpless *not* to enjoy him. When Goodrich's millennial-generation second wife jumps ship, Grace is loving enough to be blunt. "I can't say it's the *biggest* shock in history...." When Goodrich offers wine, Grace quickly concludes that her fetus is "adequately cooked"....She says yes to the offer. Then, simply: "Hallelujah."
The arrival of a grandchild is a kind of test. How will this arrival change the already fragile connection between Goodrich and Grace? The answer is surprising and just right. This is a movie that "earns" its climax; the climax works beautifully.
I've followed Michael Keaton from "Batman" to "Beetlejuice" to "Spotlight" to "Worth." He is a great artist who also happens to be a movie star. I hope he has additional worthwhile scripts in his future.
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