2024 has proven to be a remarkable year for Michael Keaton as he made his much-anticipated return as Betelgeuse in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. However, another comedy of his released shortly after has also garnered attention and deserves recognition. Michael Keaton began his illustrious acting career in 1976, playing Lannie Wolf in the sitcom All’s Fair, before making his big screen debut in the comedy Rabbit Test. His career accelerated with roles in the 1979 sitcom Working Stiffs, alongside Jim Belushi, and a supporting part in the comedy Night Shift.
Keaton’s breakout role emerged in 1988 when he starred in Tim Burton’s iconic film, Beetlejuice, where he played the title character, the bio-exorcist. This film marked the beginning of a noteworthy collaboration with Burton, which also saw Keaton take on the role of Bruce Wayne in the Batman franchise. While he is well-known for roles in various genres, including drama, most notably in Birdman, Keaton has had an impressive year in comedy, particularly with the release of Goodrich.
Goodrich is a comedy-drama written and directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer. The film follows the story of Andy Goodrich, portrayed by Michael Keaton, a 60-year-old art dealer navigating the challenges of single parenthood in Los Angeles after his younger wife, Naomi (played by Laura Benanti), enters a 90-day rehab program. Left alone with his nine-year-old twins, Billie and Mose, Andy finds himself struggling to adapt to his new role as a single father.
In a twist of fate, he reaches out to his estranged daughter, Grace (Mila Kunis), for assistance. Their relationship is fraught with tension due to Grace’s resentment toward Andy for his career-driven absence during her childhood. As they reconnect amidst the chaos of his new life, audiences witness a heartfelt journey that showcases both humor and emotional depth.
Goodrich received positive reviews from critics, earning $1.9 million at the box office, although its budget remains undisclosed. Available for streaming on Max alongside Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, this film offers the perfect opportunity for fans to enjoy a Michael Keaton double-feature. Additionally, both Batman films featuring Keaton are also available on the same platform, further enhancing his impressive filmography.
Throughout his career, like any actor, Michael Keaton has faced ups and downs, with certain films resonating differently with audiences and critics alike. As of now, Goodrich stands out with an 81% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, enjoying an 85% audience score, making it Keaton’s best-rated movie since 2020. Recent projects from five years ago, such as The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Worth, also performed well, with critics’ scores of 89% and 81%, respectively.
Despite the fluctuations in ratings, including his lowest-rated films, Morbius and The Flash, Keaton’s work remains compelling. The latest addition to his film repertoire, Goodrich, might be an unexpected hit, but it is undoubtedly as worthy of attention as Beetlejuice Beetlejuice this year, showcasing Michael Keaton’s continued evolution as a beloved comedy icon.
