Robert Schwartzman new, Nick Jonas starring film, The Good Half is all about that favorite Hollywood subject of returning home. I always felt like I missed out on that, being from the DC Metro area I was able to go to a good school and get a decent job without traveling very far, I suppose that’s not something to complain about but without having left home, preferably burning bridges while doing so, how could I ever make a triumphant return and learn that happiness was, in fact, here all along.
Renn Wheeland (Nick Jonas) is returning home for his Mother’s funeral when he meets the outgoing Zoey (Alexandra Shipp), a therapist on her way to Cleveland for a conference (how fortuitous…seems like a therapist is going to come in handy). The two chat on the flight and awkwardly exchange numbers before going their separate ways. Zoey to her conference and Renn to face the family he left behind, now comprised of his sister Leigh (Brittany Snow), and stepdads former and current, Darren (Matt Walsh) and Rick (David Arquette). Renn’s next few days are filled with awkward conversations with Darren, thinly veiled anger from Leigh, and a bit of light B&E with (or rather against) Rick all with slight respites throughout where he can meet up with Zoey.
Ahh, Nick Jonas, yet another in a long list of Hollywood stars I really wanted to hate but simply couldn’t. Seriously, take one talent and leave something for the rest of us. If Ed Sheeran wants to be a good actor, sure, but you can’t look like Nick Jonas and act, and sing, and marry Priyanka Chopra. What I’m really trying to say is, Jonas carries the film ably. While I’ve yet to see anything award winning from him The Good Half proves again that he can totally have a career reaching more then your average pop star turned actor. His performance is even more impressive when you consider that he doesn’t really seem the ultra-snarky/sarcastic type. Honestly for a good chunk of this movie I couldn’t help thinking his role was written for a Jesse Eisenberg or even a Zack Braff. Still, he’s believable and brings emotion where needed. The rest of the ensemble serves their roles well, with the brilliant Matt Walsh raising what would otherwise be run of the mill awkward caring stepdad material to something more endearing.
My real issue, if you can call it that, with this film is that it just didn’t seem necessary. I know that kind of thing gets said a lot in reviews, but I’ve rarely used it. Every movie is great to someone, but I just didn’t see anything in the 96 minutes of The Good Half that made me sit up and take notice. Like a ham & cheese sandwich when you’re hungry, there’s nothing inherently wrong with it. All the pieces are there and doing what they should do but it just so “meh” it’s hard to get excited. It’s not that I couldn’t relate either. Having just lost my Mom about a year ago I can fully relate, it’s just that everything presented seems…I don’t know, sterile? One brighter spot I do want to point out is David Arquette, who plays the not-loved/hated most recent husband of Mom Lily. Arquette’s really found a subtlety to his performances that serves him well, personally I’ve always like the guy but I know I’m in the minority on that. If he’s noticed for what he brings to this film and starts appearing in more because of that I promise to go back and remove that “unnecessary” line from earlier.
The Good Half is available now to stream for rental or purchase!
