Introduction to Bryan Cranston’s Latest Film
Bryan Cranston may be a master of transformation, but even the Breaking Bad legend cannot always land a hit. His latest film, Everything Will Be Great, has received a less than outstanding 50% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on only 12 reviews. This is far from the critical recognition that Cranston has enjoyed in projects such as Trumbo or Breaking Bad, and is somewhat surprising given the talent involved.
The Film’s Plot and Cast
The film, directed by Jon S. Baird (Tetris) and written by I, Tonya writer Steven Rogers, boasts a strong lineup that includes Chris Cooper and Allison Janney. However, one standout is not one of the well-known adults, but rather breakout star Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who supposedly steals the entire show. The film, set in 1989 Akron, Ohio, follows Buddy Smart (Cranston), an obsessive regional theater director who tries to keep his artistic dream alive. His long-suffering wife Macy (Janney) runs the theater with him, even if her patience is wearing thin. Their two sons couldn’t be more different – soccer-loving Derrick (Jack Champion) wants to work easily at Foot, while the younger Lester (Ainsworth) dreams of Broadway and converses in his head with imaginary theater legends.
Critical Reception
Critics have not rallied behind Everything Will Be Great, with the Rotten Tomatoes score hovering at 50% in a "rotten" rating. While some praise the film’s warm story and Ainsworth’s performance, others criticize the uneven tone and narrative, especially in the third act, which takes a much darker turn.
Is Everything Will Be Great Worth Seeing?
Collider’s Shawn Van Horn was a big fan of the film, giving it an 8/10 review and not only praising Cranston but also Ainsworth as the heart and soul of the film. The third act could have taken Everything Will Be Great off the rails, but because of Lester’s undying passion, everything is possible. Dreaming big makes survival possible, and the clever family would be lost without the steadfast determination of its youngest member. The title of the film is also the hopeful theme of what’s to come. Thanks to the excellent performance of Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and the quirky trust of Lester, everything will be great.
Film Details
Everything Will Be Great opened in theaters on June 20, 2025. The film has a runtime of 95 minutes and is directed by Jon S. Baird, with a screenplay by Steven Rogers. The producers of the film are Jillian Share and Bryan Unassemplary.
Conclusion
Despite the mixed reviews, Everything Will Be Great may still be worth watching, especially for fans of Bryan Cranston and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. The film’s unique story and strong performances make it a compelling watch, even if it doesn’t quite live up to the standards set by Cranston’s previous work.
