Los Angeles Review: ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ Stars Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney in a Struggling Dramedy
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‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ is a coming-of-age dramedy directed by Jon S. Baird, recognized for his previous work on ‘Tetris.’ The film centers on a theater kid growing up in an unconventional family, featuring a father who is still chasing his elusive Broadway dreams. While the premise hints at a charming and heartfelt look at family and artistic ambition, the film struggles with its execution.
Bryan Cranston plays the hopeful, Broadway-aspiring father, bringing his signature charm and layered acting to the role. Supporting him is Allison Janney, whose strong presence adds emotional depth to the family dynamics. Young Benjamin Evan Ainsworth portrays the theater-loving child with sincerity and warmth.
Despite the talented cast, the film’s script falls short in developing characters and their conflicts fully. It tries to balance drama and comedy but often feels uneven, which lessens its emotional impact. Additionally, the pacing can be slow, and some plot elements are predictable, reducing the overall effectiveness.
On the visual front, the movie captures the lively and quirky atmosphere of a theatrical family life. The cinematography and production design align well with the whimsical tone the filmmakers aimed for, though these aspects cannot fully overcome the story’s weaknesses.
Highlights of the film include moments of genuine humor and warmth, largely due to Cranston and Janney’s committed performances. However, their efforts cannot lift the movie to a truly exceptional level. Fans of character-driven dramedies might find it somewhat enjoyable, but those looking for a deeper or more innovative coming-of-age tale could be disappointed.
Summary:
- Directed by Jon S. Baird, known for ‘Tetris’
- Stars Bryan Cranston as an optimistic wannabe Broadway producer
- Allison Janney supports with emotional depth
- Benjamin Evan Ainsworth shines as the theatrical child
- Thin script with uneven drama and comedy balance
- Predictable plot and sluggish pacing impact engagement
- Visually captures a whimsical theatrical world
- Strong performances can’t fully compensate for narrative flaws
Overall, ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’ offers warmth and humor but falls short of delivering a deeply engaging story.
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