And So It Goes

Watch And So It Goes

  • 2006
  • 57 min

And So It Goes is a 2014 romantic drama film directed by Rob Reiner and starring Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton in the leading roles. The movie was released in the United States by Clarius Entertainment and received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the chemistry between the two leads while others criticizing the formulaic plot.

The story follows Oren Little (Michael Douglas), a selfish and cynical real estate agent who has lost touch with his daughter over the years due to his workaholic lifestyle. When his estranged son drops off a granddaughter he never knew he had, Oren is forced to take care of the child and confront his own shortcomings as a grandparent and as a human being. Along the way, he meets his next-door neighbor Leah (Diane Keaton), a lounge singer and widow who has her own struggles and secrets to deal with.

The film deals with themes of love, redemption, and family, as Oren and Leah slowly learn to trust each other and open up about their past traumas and present insecurities. Despite some melodramatic moments and contrivances, the movie manages to deliver a heartfelt message about the importance of forgiveness and second chances.

Michael Douglas gives a strong performance as the grumpy and vulnerable Oren, who starts off as an unlikable character but gradually earns empathy as he bonds with his granddaughter and develops a rapport with Leah. Diane Keaton, as always, brings her trademark charm and quirkiness to the role of Leah, a woman who is still grieving the loss of her husband and struggling to find her voice as a singer. The two actors have a natural chemistry that elevates some of the weaker scenes and makes the romance between their characters feel believable and poignant.

Another standout performance comes from Sterling Jerins, who plays Oren's granddaughter Sarah, a precocious and perceptive girl who acts as the catalyst for Oren's transformation. Jerins brings a maturity and intelligence to the role that is rare for child actors, and her scenes with Douglas are some of the most touching and genuine in the movie.

The supporting cast includes several familiar faces, such as Meryl Streep's daughter Mamie Gummer as Oren's estranged daughter, Frances Sternhagen as Leah's friend and confidante, and Scott Shepherd as a handsome and rich suitor who poses a threat to Oren's chances with Leah. While these characters are mostly one-dimensional and exist to serve the plot, the actors do their best to make them memorable and quirky.

The script, written by Mark Andrus (As Good as It Gets), has some witty one-liners and poignant moments, but also suffers from some contrivances and clichés. The plot twists are predictable and the characters' arcs are not particularly groundbreaking or nuanced. However, the film's heart is in the right place and the message is universal enough to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

The cinematography by Reed Morano is warm and cozy, with a nostalgic and intimate feel that suits the genre of the movie. The production design and costumes are also effective in evoking the small-town vibe of the setting and the quirky personalities of the characters.

The soundtrack of the film features several classic songs performed by Diane Keaton, who has a decent singing voice and adds a personal touch to the musical numbers. The score by Marc Shaiman is unobtrusive but charming, adding to the emotional resonance of the scenes.

Overall, And So It Goes is a sweet and sentimental movie that relies on the charm and chemistry of its leads to overcome its formulaic plot and contrivances. While it may not be remembered as a groundbreaking or iconic romantic drama, it succeeds in delivering a heartwarming and uplifting message about the power of love and family.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2006
  • Runtime
    57 min