Goodrich Parent Guide

When his wife checks herself into rehab, Andy Goodrich (Michael Keaton) realizes he had no idea she was addicted to prescription drugs. Forced to face his failings as a husband, Andy soon realizes that his cluelessness regarding his nine-year-old twins needs to be replaced with effective parenting. Desperate for help, he turns to his daughter from his first marriage, who pushes him to unravel years of rationalization and self-deception. On top of everything else, his art gallery is facing financial collapse. This crisis pile-up could destroy Andy – or it might be the making of him.

Goodrich isn’t a surprising film: man discovers his life is a mess, man is forced to meet the moment, man has a change of heart and life. It’s a familiar tale. Thankfully, this production stars Michael Keaton who delivers the role with his usual flair. Mila Kunis brings some righteous anger and inexplicable love to her part as his daughter, Grace, adding more depth to the father-daughter relationship that powers this film.

Don’t go into this film expecting lots of action or emotional fireworks. There’s none of the former and little of the latter. But there are multiple moments where Andy comes face to face with his ignorance, failures, and selfishness. It’s painful for him and sometimes for us. It’s also slow. This is a movie that drags through some of its scenes, but I’m willing to forgive all its flaws for a final act that moved me to sniffly tears. Goodrich is a movie that reminds us about the power of family love, the incredible strength of a parent-child bond, and the joy and peace that can be found in a loving marriage. It’s a story about hope, new beginnings, second chances, and the joy we seek and struggle to find.

Along with the positive messages, this film unfortunately comes with enough negative content to grab an R-rating. Honestly, if it weren’t for the two dozen-plus swear words (including three f-bombs), Goodrich could probably squeak in at PG-13. I honestly can’t tell you why no one cut the sexual expletives, but I’m assuming that someone in the production chain wanted a Restricted rating. It’s a mystery to me, but this isn’t the first time I’ve been gobsmacked by the choices made in Hollywood executive suites. Pretty sure it won’t be the last.