21/20
Writer-director Hallie Meyers-Shyer wrote the title role specifically for Michael Keaton
Andy Goodrich's life is upended when his wife enters a rehab program, leaving him on his own with their young kids. Goodrich leans on Grace, his daughter from his first marriage, as he ultimately evolves into the father she never had.. "I wrote it 100 percent with him in mind," she said, "to the point where if he had said no, I would have buried it and myself in the backyard.".
Featured in The 7PM Project: Episode dated 22 November 2024 (2024)
The box of "Cinnamon Toast Crunch" keeps turning 180° during the breakfast scene.. Andy: If life isn’t kicking your ass, it’s not doing its job.. Score from CasablancaWritten by Max SteinerPerformed by The Warner Bros.
and Turner Entertainment Co
Studio OrchestraCourtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Well, we've seen almost every kind of Michael Keaton there, right?
We saw Batman Keaton, we saw Birdman Keaton, we saw The Founder Keaton, and so on
This is him treading comfortable yet dramatic waters, as a father of a 36-year-old and twin 9-year-olds. The film discusses the theme of modern parenting, especially from the perspective of a workaholic, somewhat absentee father.But since we're talking about an "endearing" Michael Keaton here, can he ever be the quintessential bad guy? Nope.
And the film never makes that to be the case
There's the occasionally witty quip, but Goodrich doesn't really aim for comedic highs. It's a drama by all means, with Keaton and Mila Kunis doing most of the work. The finale can be seen coming a mile away, yet it lands on steady ground, thanks to its lightweight treatment and good performances overall.