Life for New England realtor Hildy Good begins to unravel when she hooks up with an old flame of hers from New York. Based on Ann Leary’s ‘The Good House.’
Chuck says:
An unreliable narrator drives “The Good House,” an approach that, while obvious, works thanks to the efforts of the actor playing the role. That would be Sigourney Weaver as Hildy Good, a realtor in Wendover, Massachusetts, who’s seen better days. Not that you would know it, as most of what she tells the viewer – Hildy has a habit of breaking the fourth wall – is that she’s fine. Yet, as the story progresses, indications begin to creep in that not all is well. It’s been a while since she’s sold a house, she’s having a hard time paying bills and she’s drinking a bit more than she should.
Though it may move a bit slow for some, “House” proves to be an effective portrayal of a woman in denial who comes to the realization she needs some help. Weaver is more than capable of carrying the movie, effectively portraying this woman’s disintegration. She receives solid support from the always reliable Kevin Kline as Good’s friend and sometimes lover who struggles to help her while remaining in her corner. There’s some light humor sprinkled throughout, and the drama never veers into pathos. Though it won’t garner any awards, “House” never makes the mistake of overplaying its hand.
3 Stars
Pam says:
What a cast! What a strong beginning! What a disappointment. Weaver creates Hildy Good, a strong yet aging top New England realtor in a small town who is being upstaged and gossiped about by the townspeople, and a younger version of herself and former employee, Cassie (Georgia Dwight). Hildy breaks the fourth wall and lets us into her situation as she describes the key players; her ex-hubby Scott (David Rasche), her kids and special needs grandchild, and most importantly, an old flame named Frank (Kevin Kline).
It’s a high-paced beginning as we learn the dirt on everyone, but by the second act when Hildy’s intervention for alcoholism pushes her into rehab, it becomes an anti-drinking campaign which derails the entire story. The humor is drained away quicker than Hildy can down a martini and the film forgets it needs to have a middle and an end. The pacing slows to match that of a snail while the three writers seem to have forgotten they have Kevin Kline at their disposal. Where was he for 90% of the movie? Yes, Weaver can hold her own, but there’s just not enough happening between the two of them or anyone, for that matter. Not even the comical timing of Rob Delaney who plays a local wealthy man, Peter Newbold, who doesn’t dare rock the boat, can keep this ship upright.
“The Good House” is a total disappointment as the story flounders, its actors aren’t utilized, and the humor dissipates quickly.
1 Star
