Il padre dell'anno

Andy Goodrich gets an abrupt phone call in the middle of the night, changing his entire world. His wife has checked herself into rehab, leaving him to figure out his life outside of his art gallery. As he stumbles and fumbles with her 90-day absence, every aspect of his life starts to unravel, which gives him a new perspective and appreciation of his life and its relationships.

This dramedy shows how some people may lose sight of what is essential, pursuing a career that does not love them back like those in their lives. The story is simple and is shared with a bit of humor and a bit of drama. It takes the viewer through the 90 days, showing how Andy Goodrich adapts and changes to his circumstances and learns along the way. With a runtime of one hour and fifty minutes, the story does an excellent job of moving along but has parts that stall and slow it down. This is a unique watch, but it is worth waiting for it to arrive on a streaming service than paying for a movie ticket.

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.

I didn't find this movie has much to say: for me it was mainly about a bunch of unhelpful noisy people making a good-hearted man's difficulties worse. I felt sympathy for Dad, but failed to find much point in seeing his efforts flounder. It was like sitting through a gathering of bickering relatives that mostly make you want to leave the gathering and go sit somewhere else.

Can't complain about the acting. It was persuasive. I just complain about my being there. I decided to finish watching while I washed the dishes. Kinda suited to mood of the movie.

My advice is; go find something else to watch.

Hallie Meyers-Shyer delivers her second film as director and screenwriter, a tragicomedy about parenthood with Michael Keaton at his best.

A simple but loving story is what Goodrich delivers about a father who seeks the help of his adult daughter to raise his young twins after his second wife leaves him.

The film works thanks to a pleasant script and enthusiastic direction that allows us to have Michael Keaton in one of his best performances where we can see the actor in all his splendor and with all his talent to take us from comedy to drama and vice versa in a gratifying and perfect way. A character full of humanity and sweetness, but with a soul really in need of affection that makes him an adorable character that hooks you throughout his journey. Also notable are his supporting actors like Mila Kunis and the young actors who demonstrate an avalanche of charisma.

It doesn't reinvent the wheel, it's a routine film that has been seen many times, but it is endearing with funny moments and other emotional ones that make this tragicomedy a pleasant pastime to watch on a family weekend. It doesn't propose new things and always plays it safe in the aspects it wants to explore in depth, but its entire cast gives it an additional plus, which allows you as a spectator to have a good time watching this adventure about fatherhood, maturity, forgiveness and love.

Recommended for anyone looking for something light and full of pleasant messages, it is a movie that you will have a good time with and it will be worth it without any major expectations.

Andy Goodrich's (Michael Keaton) life is upended when his wife and mother of their nine-year-old twins enters a 90-day rehab program, leaving him on his own with their young kids. Thrust into the world of modern parenthood, Goodrich leans on his daughter from his first marriage, Grace (Mila Kunis), as he ultimately evolves into the father Grace always wanted.

The story is not just about Keaton growing into being a father, it's about him growing every time life throws him sideways. I guess the whole story, with negative event after negative event coming at him from all sides, tearing at who he is, is about him fighting back quietly and stoically and overcoming everything life can bring that's dark. He improves himself into a version that multiple people can love, and he finds what is really important in life instead of spending all of his energy on work. Keaton's performance is brilliant and justifies the writer and director's (Hallie Meyers-Shyer) decision to write the film for him. He is ably backed by Mila Kunis who proved she can do serious acting as well as the comedy she is well known for. Vivien Lyra-Blair as his daughter Ellie deserves a major shout out for her great performance. She's been around for several years now and she just keeps getting better and better.

All in all a great film which says to me "Don't ever give up. Always strive to overcome and move forward." Most of us over a certain age already know this but it's great to have a reminder, and a one done so cleverly and emotionally. A thoroughly enjoyable film with great performances by everyone and I gave it a 7.