Los Angeles Review: ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ Struggles Despite Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney’s Efforts
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Everything’s Going to Be Great is a coming-of-age dramedy directed by Jon S. Baird, known for his work on ‘Tetris.’ The film explores the life of a theater kid navigating an unconventional upbringing alongside his father, an optimistic yet struggling Broadway producer. This narrative provides a heartfelt look into family dynamics and the pursuit of dreams.
The film features strong performances by Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney. Cranston portrays the hopeful father, whose passion drives his Broadway aspirations, while Janney brings emotional depth and nuance to the family drama. Despite their compelling portrayals, the movie is hindered by a weak script that does not fully develop its characters or the emotional stakes involved.
The film attempts to mix humor with drama but often falls into predictable storytelling and clichés. The supporting cast, including young actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, adds charm, especially since much of the story is experienced through the eyes of the theater-enthusiast child. Visually, Baird’s direction creates poignant moments that somewhat resonate, but they are insufficient to overcome the narrative and character development shortcomings.
Strengths
- Performances: Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney deliver strong and engaging performances.
- Direction: Jon S. Baird’s visual style helps craft heartfelt moments.
- Charm: The young supporting cast adds likability and warmth to the film.
Weaknesses
- Screenplay: The story relies heavily on clichés and lacks depth in character development.
- Narrative: The emotional stakes are thinly sketched and do not fully engage the audience.
- Balance: The film struggles to harmonize its comedic and dramatic elements.
In summary, while Everything’s Going to Be Great has the components of a touching indie drama, its limited screenplay reduces its overall impact. Fans of Cranston and Janney will find moments to enjoy, but those seeking a deeply developed coming-of-age story might feel the film is lacking.
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