DVD Corner

A Good Person Blu-ray Review

“A Good Person” is a not so good film. 

Allison has everything going for her. She’s engaged to be married to Nathan and she’s pursuing a music career. That all comes to a screeching halt when she gets into a car accident (that was largely her fault) that resulted in the death of the passengers that included her future sister-in-law (Molly). A year passes and Allison has hit rock bottom. She’s become addicted to oxy, she has split from Nathan, and that’s not even half of her troubles. Molly’s daughter Ryan, meanwhile is staying with her grandfather Daniel (a former war vet and cop). Allison bumps into Daniel at an AA meeting and the two begin to converse despite it being traumatic for both individuals. Allison also meets Ryan and attempts to bond with her, but Allison’s addiction issues cause her to spiral out of control. Can Allison turn her life around and make amends? 

Written, directed and produced by Zach Braff, “A Good Person” is certainly a heavy drama about grief, chance, addiction, healing, trauma, pain and mistakes, but it’s entirely mishandled by Braff. Instead of being a profound and weighty drama about how one can’t control life’s messy obstacles, the entirety of the story feels phony, overwritten and downright manipulative. It feels more like a melodramatic after school special if anything (particularly everything involved with the addiction elements). It’s a shame because this type of story could have really resonated with audiences (especially given the level of talent involved).

Speaking of the talent, the cast is nothing if not spectacular with the likes of Florence Pugh, Morgan Freeman, Molly Shannon, and Alex Wolff. Pugh is easily one of the best actresses around, but sadly, she overdoes it here. Obviously, she does the best she can, but the material really lets her down. Braff’s never-ending close-ups and overplayed dramatic moments don’t do Pugh any favors either. Pugh does deserve props for the singing scenes though. Freeman is the only one who comes out of this movie unscathed. His heartfelt and honest performance is the best thing about the entire movie. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: A

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A-

The lone extra is a Digital copy.

May 30, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A Good Person Blu-ray Review, Florence Pugh, Morgan Freeman, Zach Braff