Los Angeles Review: ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ Struggles Despite Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney’s Strong Performances
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‘Everything’s Going to Be Great,’ directed by Jon S. Baird, is a heartfelt coming-of-age dramedy that explores the complexities of family life through the eyes of a theater-loving young protagonist. Despite the film’s promising premise and strong performances, it struggles to fully deliver on its emotional potential.
Strong Performances
The film’s greatest strengths lie in the performances of its lead actors:
- Bryan Cranston portrays the ambitious father whose dreams often clash with the realities around him.
- Allison Janney provides a nuanced and compelling supporting role that adds depth to the story.
- Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, as the young protagonist, authentically captures the confusion and hopefulness of youth, although his character is not fully developed.
Visuals and Direction
Under Baird’s direction, the film captures moments of theatrical passion and familial tension with vibrant energy. There is an evident attempt to balance comedic and dramatic elements, bringing some charm to the screen.
Weaknesses
However, the film falls short in several key areas:
- Screenplay: The story suffers from pacing issues and many unresolved narrative threads, resulting in an incomplete feeling.
- Tonal inconsistency: The fluctuating tone sometimes feels too light without enough emotional stakes and at other times too heavy without a satisfying payoff.
- Character development: The young protagonist’s journey is insufficiently fleshed out, leaving audiences wanting more emotional depth.
Conclusion
Everything’s Going to Be Great is a film with ambition and moments of charm but ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. Cranston and Janney’s performances offer glimpses of brilliance, yet the underdeveloped script holds the film back from being a fully realized coming-of-age story. Fans of character-driven dramedies may appreciate the family dynamics, but those seeking more emotional depth and narrative resolution might find it lacking.
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