Los Angeles Review: Bryan Cranston & Allison Janney Shine But Can’t Save ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’
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‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ unfolds in a heartwarming yet uneven coming-of-age story set in Los Angeles, where a young theater enthusiast grapples with an unconventional family life. Directed by Jon S. Baird, known for his work on ‘Tetris,’ the film explores the delicate dynamics between a starry-eyed father aspiring to become a Broadway producer and his determined son navigating his own dreams and challenges.
Bryan Cranston delivers a compelling performance as the father, infusing his character with both charm and vulnerability. Allison Janney complements the cast with her nuanced portrayal, bringing depth to the family’s emotional struggles. Together, they elevate the film beyond its modest script, offering moments of genuine connection and emotional resonance.
At the film’s center is the young boy whose ambition to succeed in theater provides a relatable anchor for audiences. His journey depicts the complexities of growing up amidst familial turmoil and unfulfilled aspirations. The narrative touches on themes of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams despite obstacles.
However, despite the strong performances from Cranston and Janney, the film’s thinly sketched screenplay struggles to fully develop its characters and plot lines. The storytelling occasionally feels fragmented, lacking the depth and cohesion expected from a dramedy of this nature. While the film aims to balance humor and drama, it sometimes falls short in delivering impactful emotional moments.
Visually, the film benefits from Baird’s direction, capturing the vibrancy and challenges of life in Los Angeles. The supporting cast adds flavor to the story, though they too are constrained by the lightweight writing.
Summary
- Strengths: Strong performances by Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney, heartfelt family themes, engaging portrayal of Los Angeles life.
- Weaknesses: Underdeveloped script, fragmented storytelling, lack of depth in character and plot development.
- Overall: A heartfelt but imperfect dramedy that will appeal to fans of character-driven stories but may leave others wanting more.
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