Writer-director Hallie Meyers-Shyer wrote the title role specifically for Michael Keaton

Andy Goodrich’s life is turned upside down when his wife enters a rehab program, leaving him alone with their young children. Goodrich leans on Grace, his daughter from his first marriage, as he finally 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 the role and myself in the backyard.” The “Cinnamon Toast Crunch” box keeps spinning 180° during the breakfast scene.

Studio Orchestra Courtesy of Warner Bros

Andy: If life ain’t kicking your ass, it ain’t doing its job. Featured in The 7PM Project: Episode airdate dated November 22, 2024 (2024). Casablanca Soundtrack Written by Max Steiner Performed by The Warner Bros.

and Turner Entertainment Co

Entertainment Inc. Goodrich starts off a bit disjointed, but gradually finds its groove, especially toward the end. The film offers several touching moments, but the first act suffers from excessive exposition that feels forced and contrived.

Additionally, the film struggles to balance serious moments, often interrupting them with forced witty dialogue that undermines the emotional impact

Instead of relying on dialogue-heavy scenes, the story would have benefited from showing more of the evolving relationship between Goodrich and her eldest daughter, Grace. Unfortunately, too much time is spent on the somewhat irrelevant dynamic between Goodrich and Michael Urie’s character (Terry), which detracts from the main plot. Despite its flaws, “Goodrich” manages to deliver a somewhat satisfying ending, though it could have reached deeper emotional heights with better pacing and character focus.

For a second directorial effort, it was satisfactory