From the moment Andy Goodrich (Michael Keaton) is awoken from a deep slumber by a phone call from his now absent wife with the news of her admittance to a rehab clinic and plans to leave him, he begins one of the worst days of his life. This is quickly compounded by more bad news at work and the impending sole responsibility of looking after his young fraternal twins.
The knocks keep adding up and Andy is forced to reprioritise his life. His previous efforts were full of focus on his business and its successes with little left for his wife and children. He soon begins to realise his absenteeism has deprived himself and those around him of the joys that can happen in everyday life.
This is all a fairly standard setup, script-wise but what happens as things unfold is anything but by the numbers. Situations and their end results are presented in such a hyperbole-free manner that it places the focus on the kind of nuances that happen in a real person’s life. You can’t help but be drawn in.
Too many films end up being just entertainment fodder but then there are the projects that aim a little higher and leave behind a lasting impression. Goodrich fills your thoughts with a rich concoction of human emotions, life-affirming endeavours and reconnections. Kudos to all involved in this wonderful film.
Rob Hudson
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