Everything's Going to Be Great

Touching, charming, quirky, thoughtful, optimistic, laugh-out-loud in parts movie about empathy and forgiveness that I rented and loved so much I immediately watched it again. I may just go ahead and buy it. Steven Rogers - who wrote I, Tonya - writes great dialogue, capturing human moments that sound like real people talking. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is a standout as the young protagonist. I hope we see more of him. Saving the best for last, please, PLEASE make more movies pairing Allison Janney and Bryan Cranston, the best casting chemistry since Streep-Tucci. They are a joy to watch on the screen.

I love Bryan and Allison - incredibly talented actors. So why are they in this? I am not sure. The script is horrifically juvenile and cliched. It attempts to come off as 'real' and it's anything but. Predictable and uncomfortably sentimental in a way that isn't even close to earned. The plot and dialogue is nothing you haven't seen before. I don't want to focus on the skill of the young actor in the lead as being bad but he wasn't directed to come off as believable at all. Same with the older brother. It's cringe all the way through. How did this get green-lit and how did they get 2 big talents to sign on? That might be a better movie.

In jaunty '89/'90-based dramedy "Everything's Going To Be Great" regional theatre director Bryan Cranston uproots wife Allison Janney and sons Benjamin Evan Ainsworth & Jack Champion from job to modest job, living hand to mouth in the hope of one day hitting it big... but will they? It's not director Jon S Baird's best (compared to "Filth" or "Tetris") and Steven Rogers' screenplay takes a risky bold turn half way thru that dampens the remaining tone - but it's brilliantly performed (esp by Ainsworth & Cranston - with the likes of Simon Rex & Chris Cooper in support). If the energy of the first half persisted throughout it would have been great - as is it's still decently watchable.

I saw this film at the Tribeca film festival, and was incredibly moved. The performances are outstanding and the story illustrates an American family and their day to day struggles to find their dreams. It appeals to everyone, and the movie has heart and soul. Please go see it. It's a happy tale in uncertain times. And it speaks to how love and connection really matter.

If you are a Janney or Cranston fan you can't miss Everything is going to be Great. Together they are like Astaire and Rogers -- they don't miss a beat. I don't want to spoil anything -- I'll just say their chemistry is sublime.