Everything’s Going to Be Great (2025) – Movie Review: A Quirky Family Drama That Misses the Mark
Everything’s Going to Be Great Release Date, Genre & Cast
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director: Jon S. Baird
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Allison Janney, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Jack Champion, Simon Rex, Chris Cooper
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films
Watch the Official Trailer
Overview
Everything’s Going to Be Great is a 2025 drama that attempts to mix heartfelt family dynamics with quirky indie comedy—but often struggles to find the right balance. Directed by Jon S. Baird (Tetris) and starring Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney, the film follows a nomadic theater family navigating their chaotic lives on the road in 1989 America.
Plot Summary: Everything’s Going to Be Great 2025 Movie
The story centers on the Smart family—a theatrical, dysfunctional group traveling town to town producing regional theater. Buddy Smart (Cranston) is an eternal optimist and offbeat showman with a passion for the stage but no real stability. His wife Macy (Janney), more grounded and faith-oriented, clashes with Buddy’s impractical dreams as they struggle to keep the family afloat.
Their younger son Les (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) is a flamboyant theater-loving middle schooler who often escapes into fantasy conversations with stage icons. His older brother Derrick (Jack Champion), on the other hand, is a straight-laced, all-American athlete with no interest in theater—highlighting the family’s internal divides.
From bagpipe-playing on the lawn to awkward road singalongs, the film is packed with eccentric moments. Yet beneath the quirk, the emotional core feels thin, and many story arcs don’t fully land.
Themes & Tone: Everything’s Going to Be Great Movie
Set against the backdrop of late ’80s America, the film explores family tension, creative dreams, personal identity, and the clash between small-town values and bohemian freedom. There’s an attempt to inject humor and heart, but the tone often wavers—shifting from offbeat comedy to coming-of-age drama without much cohesion.
Performance Highlights
Bryan Cranston is charismatic as the dreamer-dad, blending charm with over-the-top flair.
Allison Janney brings emotional range to Macy, though her character’s choices at times feel inconsistent.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth stands out with a heartfelt and spirited portrayal of Les, adding some genuine heart to the narrative.
What Works – and What Doesn’t
Pros:
- Unique characters and nostalgic ‘80s setting
- Strong individual performances, especially from the leads
- Moments of charm and emotional potential
Cons:
- Unfocused plot with uneven pacing
- Comedy often feels forced
- Story arcs that don’t fully resolve
- Lacks the polish of similar films like Little Miss Sunshine
Final Verdict
Everything’s Going to Be Great wants to be a quirky, heartwarming road trip drama—but it stumbles under the weight of its own ambition. While the cast gives it their all, the film’s fragmented narrative and tonal imbalance leave it feeling like a patchwork of half-formed ideas. There are sincere moments, especially in Les’s storyline, but they get lost in the noise.
