The Good House (2021) User Reviews

Charm and sobriety

[stugood-07006 · 6/10 · 4 January 2023]

Weaver's character should be unlikable, but the humanity of her flaws, as well as her humour makes that not so. I can't say this is Weaver's best film, but she's highly watchable.

Themes include friendship, class, and alcoholism. There's really not a lot new here, but Weaver breaking the 4th wall is a nice touch and all the subjects are treated with a degree of finesse.

I'm sure many will watch The Good House for the third outing of Kline and Weaver together, despite it being their softest. It's not as bleak as The Ice House, or as quirky as Dave.

This is predictable adult-contemporary fare, but I was engaged until the end. Weaver mostly steals the show.

laissez-faire

[AfricanBro · 6/10 · 5 October 2022]

Unless you have any expectations, it won't ruin your day but it won't make it either so you can skip it or watch it, won't make a difference. Story's pretty realistic, doesn't go out of it's way to move you or address the effects of alcohol initially. Sigourney Weaver who plays the main character well has a laissez-faire attitude about it and that's pretty much how you perceive everything, and when she finally breaks down and realizes she has a problem that's when it becomes more piteous and touching. She portrays the character well as her life is told from her point of view so you sorta always understand how she feels which makes that more climactic. It really feels like you're watching someone's everyday life. However for the most part it just felt like a well made lifetime movie and it took time to get to where it was going, I was only fully invested and engaged towards the end.

There were a couple funny and witty bits that I enjoyed but spread far apart. I was expecting this to be a romance heading in but that side is loosely done, it was either that or just about life in a small town of which it sorta explores.

I never like it when movies try to shove their intended message down your throat repeatedly throughout, which is why I dislike most 'Christian' movies for instance, but I feel like this needed a little more of that because it's very relaxed, for the first two acts it almost feels like an accessory to what's happening in the movie. I'd describe the plot as things happen and it's just all over the place. In the end I didn't really enjoy nor dislike it, I left the theatre like nothing just happened the past two hours.

Superb Actors Save a Messy Movie

[rabbitfish63 · 7/10 · 12 December 2022]

The script is clumsy (Really? Breaking the fourth wall?), the blocking is stumbling and cinematography bland (I felt bad for the poor editor who seemed at a loss to shove the clunky shots together). But in the end, this movie still worked.

It was a pleasure to spend two hours with these actors, especially the always witty and wonderful Sigourney Weaver. She gives the part weight without making it heavy, and she is well-supported by Robert Kline, Rebecca Henderson, Rob Delaney, and Morena Baccarin, all of whom turn in well-rendered performances. And in the end, all the pieces came together to make a satisfying story about people trying-some successfully, some not-to get through life's trials.

Melancholy yet Uplifting

[RebelPanda · 7/10 · 27 October 2022]

The Good House follows Hildy Good, a prominent realtor in Wendover, a fictional coastal Massachusetts town resembling Gloucester. Hildy knows everyone in town, as she's lived here all her life with family and friends. She speaks directly to the audience by breaking the fourth wall to offer background information and gossip on the main characters. The town of Wendover feels very lived in by the end, due to how each well developed character is acted excellently. Hildy's struggle with alcoholism is incredibly believable because her relatable excuses and nonchalant internal voice is convincing. This is largely due to Sigourney Weaver's stellar performance as usual. As the film progresses, it passes through comedy, romance, drama, and finally suspense. I laughed, cried, felt on edge, and finally the ending warmed my heart.

Message About Alcoholism

[stevendbeard · 6/10 · 2 October 2022]

I saw The Good House, starring Sigourney Weaver-the Ghostbusters movies, Dave; Kevin Kline-Beauty and the Beast_2017, Dave; Morena Baccarin-Gotham_tv, the Deadpool movies and David Rasche-Veep_tv, Men in Black 3.

This is a rom/com with a message in it about alcoholism. Sigourney plays a woman with 2 grown daughters that she supports financially, while also running a real estate business and fighting with other realtors. David plays her ex husband-he left her for another man-that still comes around for social gatherings and to visit with his daughters. Kevin plays Sigourney's old boyfriend that she is trying to reconnect with and Morena is a new resident to the town that becomes her friend. With all her problems, Sigourney tends to drink too much but refuses to admit she is an alcoholic. Her daughters and friends try an intervention but it's unsuccessful due to Sigourney thinking she has it under control. The movie also has Sigourney talking to the audience on occasions, which I found a little distracting.

It's rated R for language and sexual content-including partial nudity-and has a running time of 1 hour & 44 minutes.

It's not one that I would buy on DVD but my wife seemed to like it more than I did, so I guess it would be alright as a rental.

needs to be darker

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 20 May 2023]

Hildy Good (Sigourney Weaver) is a blackout drunk in denial. She used to be the top realtor in the seaside town of Wendover, Mass. She was pushed into rehab by her family and her assistant Wendy Heatherton (Kathryn Erbe) who promptly stole all her clients. Once out of rehab, she struggles to rebuild her business while money troubles mount. Frank Getchell (Kevin Kline) is an ex who runs a contracting crew. Rebecca McAllister (Morena Baccarin) is a rich lady with marriage trouble. Peter Newbold (Rob Delaney) is a longtime resident who may be looking to sell.

This needs to be darker. It has a light quirkiness that belies the dark subject matter. The difference in tone is noticeable. It's the quirkiness of breaking the 4th wall. It's also hard to accept that a person is essentially lying to your face and that's what's happening. Despite that, the movie is elevated by the greatness of Sigourney Weaver. She is magnetic no matter what and her character is compelling due to her performance.

I Miss This Type of Movie!

[lisamarie_movie · 10/10 · 7 October 2022]

In a world of junk revivals, it's wonderful to watch a fresh story with humor, heart, and hope. Everything about this story was perfect. I laughed and cried in a rollercoaster of emotions. At one point I was enjoying it so much, I became aware that it may be close to the end. I wanted to see more.

I enjoyed all the stories within the movie. Every character seemed to have their own issues and it was interesting to see Sigourney Weaver's character deal with each of them. Her character was strong and vulnerable.

Why does Hollywood continue to redo stories when writers like this are out there? A small slice of life type of movie is missed. This and mystery movies will always win over super heroes and rethinking what was already done.

Worth a watch if you like Weaver and Kleine

[CcMeL8R · 6/10 · 16 September 2023]

I wanted to like this movie more than I actually did. I found the characters were just kind of unlikeable generally. All very self absorbed. Especially the two daughter characters. The younger of whom looks down on the male love interest by calling him that "garbage man". There seemed zero actual support for Hildy's alcohol problem from her family, the daughters just seemed to see her as an ATM.

I think maybe the dogs were the most likeable characters, though the Kevin kleine character came a close second. It didn't actually seem like the main charcter Hilday really even liked the town very much, or anyone in it. She showed very little emotional range and just seemed kind of numb to everything, maybe that is what being an alcoholic does to you.

The movie is worth a watch if you are a fan of Sigorney Weaver. I hope she gets some better roles in future though.

Advertising plot was skewed

[graceoverpressuretheoneANDonly · 5/10 · 21 December 2022]

Had I known the crux of this plot? I probably would not have watched it, even though? Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline are two of my most favorite actors. The major "thread" of her alcoholism is just something that didn't appeal to me and took "center stage" in this whole drama, that I THOUGHT, was truly MORE about two highschool "loves" reuniting after many a year apart. -So that rather dampened the story for me, but the acting was very good, the setting ideal, the ensuing friendships of townspeople all "came together" in a way that was both surprising and yet strangely familiar for any one whose ever resided in a small town. I do feel Kevin Kline's role was underrated and could have been enhanced lending itself to greater interest in this long term relationship, but that was not to be.

Movie genre that should make a comeback

[robinlip · 10/10 · 2 October 2022]

Loved it. Everytime, I thought It would take an obvious turn, it didn't. It was funny, touching, fresh and watching the chemistry of Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline was off the charts. The acting, direction, production values were excellent. Movies of this genre have been rare in recent years . It was refreshing. It's a must see! The small town setting felt so authentic to New England, though shot in Nova Scotia.

I found myself holding my breath in so many scenes. All of the characters felt very real and if you've ever dealt with an alcoholic, many things might hit home. There are two adorable dogs in it too!

Failed to catch my attention

[BogdanH · 4/10 · 23 October 2022]

Before I continue: not that I'm some fan of it, but I quite like romance/drama movies. And even better, if spiced with moderate humor.

Ok, there's no doubt that S. Weaver and K. Kline are great actors -which also influenced my decision to watch The Good house.

Now, I can't really say if the whole movie is good or bad .. because my "patience" ended at 31st minute of watching it. You know, I made my personal rule: if movie doesn't "engage" me in first 20 minutes, then it just isn't worth my time -so far, this works very well for me. Ok, I gave it additional 10min's, because I hoped... After I stopped watching it, I checked IMDb and see rating of 6.7 (which is good rating in my eyes). But then, I see only 715 people voted, and only 15 made a review. In short: this movie didn't really caught some attention.

First 31 minutes... story doesn't develop at all. There's only narrative (by S. Weaver) introduction of characters (so we know, "who is who") -a great way to have movie content, without telling anything. I mean an average movie is about 90 minutes long -so don't waste the time!

I'm probably not entitled to comment it, but my impression is, this movie was made for those, who dream (or can't forget) about their lost youth love... the possibility to spark again? I have nothing against such stories, though. It's just, this one starts very poor. Does it become better later? I really don't care anymore.

A Rare Gem in These Days

[tdwillis-26273 · 9/10 · 24 October 2022]

Ms. Weaver makes this role seem effortless. I totally related to her character.

I have to search diligently these days, to occasionally find a gem of a movie, and this one is one of those special few.

The acting, the story, the characters, the setting, the score,the camera work....everything, was authentic, beautifully and excellently executed.

The only tiny thought I had, which did not lesson my enjoyment, was why they didn't go with a more authentic Maine accent. No big deal.

A must see movie for those of us who are not entertained or much impressed with what is most popular of movie making these days.

If a Hallmark movie were in theaters

[fireseeker4him · 1/10 · 3 October 2022]

Don't waste your time on this flop. I never ever review movies but I feel like I need to warn people to stay away from this film unless they want to fall asleep.

Sure Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline pull off good performances but that is about the only redeeming factor for this film.

So many scenes and lines of dialogue were pointless. And what is with breaking the fourth wall? It was just strange. The pacing was off for the entire film, and the ending was underwhelming to say the least. Seriously, I'm not screenwriter or film editor and feel like I could have done a better job of making this story move faster and have better dialogue. There's not much of a story to begin with so maybe it was doomed from the start, but they certainly could have done better by adding more dramatic elements or even just shortening some of the scenes.

If you like Hallmark movies, you'll probably like this.

Not just a love story

[oldmovies1185 · 8/10 · 1 October 2022]

Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver along with an excellent supporting cast give strong performances. The parts are played with a refreshing low key style making the characters believable and relatable.

The story and script do a fine job of depicting the many challenges faced by an older divorced business woman with adult children in a small town with ever judging eyes. The main character's romantic, personal, family and professional lives are evenly balanced throughout the film. All the while the subtext of her personal struggles with alcohol and how they affect all of her afore mentioned relationships is well woven into the story.

The story is lightly peppered with a few well placed comic relief moments and the cinematic vehicle of the "aside" is used well and not overdone.

So nice to see a movie based on believable people and real life situations. We need more movies like this.

Couldn't watch the whole thing. Can't recommend.

[Willy-Nilly-VanIsle · 3/10 · 28 November 2022]

I don't typically review movies, but this one definitely rankled. The trailer for this movie looked promising. The movie itself was painful. The timing was off, the plot too thin and it just doesn't ever get off the ground. What's with Sigourney's character addressing the audience directly throughout? That rarely works. One would expect better content and a more robust script with some sharp and engaging dialogue, given the calibre of actor hired to deliver. I can not think of a reason that anyone would want to invest the time to watch this movie. Full disclosure: it is highly unusual for me to quit a movie part way through. Therefore I was surprised to find a number of glowing reviews posted here. Disappointed.

There should be more movies like this.

[pamgar56 · 8/10 · 2 October 2022]

Sigourney Weaver Is so talented and just outstanding in this role. The always great Kevin Kline, is full of patience and genuine understanding. Some familiar faces make up the cast of characters, who fill the movie with a few "ah ha" moments. Good to see Beverly D'angelo in a small supporting role. There is a lot of beautiful scenery that adds so much to this movie. Lost loves, childhood trauma, suicide, alcohol addiction, some of life's really hard lessons portrayed in a moving and realistic adult fashion. Some really funny moments and true romance to go along with it. We were pleasantly surprised how much we enjoyed this movie. We will watch it again.

Tired story, weird editing and pacing

[al-939-110267 · 2/10 · 2 January 2023]

How I want to see another alien but for not. This movie with is a group of older recognizable actors making a movie with actor narratives about alcoholism. The narrative are up in the air with me as to whether they added or just seem to be transition aids.

More of a sad tale than comedy with a very old story. Not just alcoholism but the entire progression and issues. Been there so many times. Let's try something different. This must have been a personal reach out from someone telling there story. Hey hate to tell you - but this is a common day occurrence. About as varied and interesting as cars changing at a traffic light.

But I will say what was sad was flow and disjointed nature of the movie. It was grueling to watch not only the subject but just the way the movie was put together. I think I blame it on the editing. Visually things seemed to be shot at the right angle, focus, panning and stuff like that but the scene to scene and where are we going was not to my appreciation.

I saw nothing but old late career actors giving them something to do and then this tired story was finished off with editing that tanked it.

I would have moved on after 15 minutes but I paid for it and that made me stick it it.

Of course I think you can tell I would recommend you watch something else.

Selling real estate is a tough way to make a living

[Red-125 · 8/10 · 22 January 2023]

The Good House (2021) was co-written and co-directed by Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky.

Sigourney Weaver stars as high-profile realtor Hildy Good. Weaver is perfect for this role. She looks and acts like the person for whom the role was written.

In an interesting twist, Sigourney doesn't just play the part. She also confides to the audience watching the film. This has been done before, but I've never seen it done as well. (You could consider Shakespeare's soliloquies in the same light. However, most actors I've seen do soliloquies appear to be talking to themselves. Sigourney Weaver is definitely talking to us.)

Hildy is a top-notch realtor, but it's a tough, dog-eat-dog world, and she is holding her own, but not thriving. One problem is that she's an alcoholic. Not a sleep-it-off-and-have-a-hangover alcoholic. She's an alcoholic who drives while drunk, and who has blackouts that are scary.

Kevin Kline portrays Frank Getchell. Getchell is a wealthy businessman, but we are supposed to accept him as a grizzled New Englander. (Inigo Montoya, yes; The Pirate King, yes. Grizzled New Englander, no.)

The movie shows us how a talented realtor works to match owners and buyers. It also shows us views of the beautiful Atlantic seacoast.

(Actually Nova Scotia, not Massachusetts.)

I enjoyed The Good House, mostly because of Sigourney Weaver's outstanding performance. The film has a very weak IMDb rating of 6.4. This is a case where I say, "Did they see the same movie that I saw?" I rated the movie 8. I recommend it.

Typical "love" story

[cdahlkvist-05953 · 1/10 · 30 September 2022]

Nothing original here and the script (or at least dialogue) was underwhelming. Two once great actors that should probably throw in the towel after seeing this.

The book wasn't worthy of a film adaptation and the movie proves it.

I'm sure Klein and Weaver still have the talent to pull off a great movie but the fact that they signed on to this clear flop just screams "I made bad financial decisions and need to get paid".

Underwhelming performance by both and the supporting cast was just as miserable.

I guess the "cinematics" were nice but they really didn't play a significant role in the movie.

I'm sure the key grip did a great job too.

This is Sigourney Weaver's movie

[steiner-sam · 8/10 · 11 October 2022]

It's a drama set in a modern-day fictional town called Wendover, Massachusetts. It follows a somewhat functioning alcoholic 60ish realtor as she faces the reality of her declining business and family relationships.

Hildy Good (Sigourney Weaver) is a woman in denial about her drinking and its impact on her life after she's gone through one rehab. She still has a decent relationship with her ex, Scott (David Rasche), who left her for a man. Her daughters, Tess (Rebecca Henderson) and Emily (Molly Brown) have a more strained relationship with Hildy because of their childhood memories of her drinking.

Hildy also engages with a young married woman, Rebecca (Morena Baccarin), who is having an affair with the town's psychiatrist, Peter Newbold (Rob Delaney). Finally, as Hildy's world begins to crumble, she reconnects with Frank (Kevin Kline), her high school love, who is now the town's provider of garbage collection, substantial renovations, as well as fishing for lobsters.

This is Sigourney Weaver's movie. She is outstanding and has a good script with which to work. She is smart, clever, and humerous in dealing with her denial and frequently talks to the movie audience to explain herself. Kevin Kline is a good match. The rest of the characters are more forgettable as individuals but add texture to the context. Unfortunately, I thought the ending was too facile, detracting from the film's impact. I haven't read the book, so I don't know if the finishes match.

Misleading premise

[pjrag · 4/10 · 27 December 2022]

The acting is above average as one would expect. The story is non-existent. We get a little family drama, a little small town drama, an aging woman alone drama, and very very little romance. AND A LOT of alcoholism. Alcoholism is not funny and I have no idea how this was labeled a comedy. It was all over the place and the ending just really sloppy.

I would have enjoyed more of Kline and Weaver romance. More of their backstory. We could have used more of Weaver own history...why she was who she was. The townsfolk were not enough of the story either. It is just and overall mess. Do not recommend.

Like watching a slow moving train wreck

[jrbrowzer · 9/10 · 10 October 2022]

So nice to see an adult film for a change. Nothing much happens in this dry (pun intended) tale of an alcoholic realtor living a cloistered and unfulfilled life in a small town. It is like watching a slow moving train wreck, with hints of something bad looming around the bend. You learn our protagonist has a past and her adult children don't quite forgive her for not being the ideal parent. What you don't find out until well into the film is why she is flawed - and why she drinks. Sigourney Weaver nails the role, showing the delicate and nuanced frays which accompany alcoholism. Nothing over the top, just the slow destruction which often happens (you really have to watch the subtle moves she makes when she's feeling her cups, I've seen them many a time in real life). Kevin Kline serves as a good partner for the volley and it is nice to see them acting together again.

Booooorrrring

[iamjamalwhite · 3/10 · 31 December 2022]

From the writers of boring movies like "Let him go", "Family Stone", and "Polka King." You see some Sigorney 73 year old side boob as the high point. Lots of therapy, a gay ex-husband, too much debt, autistic kids, affairs and lies, shady business deals, overpriced cars and houses, alcohol addiction -- just a liberal mess that passes today as "drama." It will probably win awards because it lost money and checks all the boxes. Strong women and weak men. All we needed was a climate change March and some anti-gun rhetoric to make it complete. I would not watch this again if you paid me. Skip it very hard.

Authentic story with flawed characters

[lisacarlson50 · 10/10 · 4 October 2022]

The movie trailer is dead on. Weaver and Kline have great chemistry together. They obvious like each other because this isn't the first movie they've done together. This is the kind of movie Hollywood needs to revisit and put in theaters again. Many of us could care less about Super Hero movies. It's one of Weaver's best roles. There's an authentic vibe to the characters and storyline. It's a love story/. It's about family relationships and being a parent. The setting of the movie is beautiful. It follows pretty closely to the excellent book by Ann Leary. The rest of the cast is superb as well. It's paced well at 90 minutes. I loved it.

Garbage movie

[shannonbrady-35044 · 1/10 · 28 December 2022]

Way to margalilize a major talent and women of a certain age. Horrible. Can't belive she agreed to this movie. Don't waste your money. Plot line is weak as well as characters and writing.

Can't belive Amazon had rated at over 4 stars. The source was IMDB. Would absolutely not recommend watching this for any reason whatsoever.

Who directed this and how did they get the money to do so?

Acting was flat and kept waiting for something to stop the bleed. Can't believe I wasted money on this. Sigourney Weaver is so much better than this, but is she? Felt like a bad nightmare. Who didn't stop this?