“Everything’s Going to Be Great” follows the Smart family, who navigate oversized dreams and identity struggles after being forced to move in with an estranged relative.

A Story About Being Yourself

This is a movie about the characters. While it doesn’t stick the landing in all aspects, “Everything’s Going to Be Great” succeeds in creating a lingering feeling of optimism. It’s a story about finding yourself and being unapologetically you. That message isn’t carried through every scene, but by the time the credits roll, it’s what resonates most.

These characters are portrayed by an ensemble of Bryan Cranston (Buddy), Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Lester), Allison Janney (Macy), and Jack Champion (Derrick).

Cranston is the star of the show, bringing charisma, charm, and wit to this hopelessly optimistic character. Ainsworth’s performance is right alongside Cranston’s, serving as the emotional thread that ties the film together. Their relationship strengthens “Everything’s Going to Be Great” in more ways than one.

A Stylized But Uneven Ride

“Everything’s Going to Be Great” is theatrical – in tone, structure, and especially dialogue. This gives the family dynamic a slightly unnatural feel at times. Despite that, the film still hits its emotional beats in impactful ways when it matters most.

Still, the dialogue can be off-putting, and the presentation sometimes lacks grounding.

As it tackles themes of identity and self-expression, the film runs into pacing issues. Abrupt shifts in plot development and questionable character decisions undercut what are meant to be key moments. Even at just 95 minutes, parts of the movie feel overlong or unnecessary.

Familiar Messages, Fading Impact

The film’s heart is undeniable. Even when the pacing falters or the dialogue leans too far into artificiality, its emotional throughline stays present.

Eventually, though, “Everything’s Going to Be Great” loses its charm. The storyline grows repetitive, and the message follows suit. We’ve seen this kind of tale before – and told with more nuance.

“Everything’s Going to Be Great” delivers feel-good vibes while exploring identity, family and hope. But it doesn’t do enough to stand out. Cranston injects life into it in spurts, but even he can’t save a story that ultimately isn’t very memorable.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5