In Robert Schwartzman’s latest film, “The Good Half,” Nick Jonas stars as Renn Wheeland, a man returning to his hometown for his mother’s funeral. While the premise—dealing with unresolved childhood issues and familial loss—is familiar, the film struggles to offer fresh insights or compelling drama.
The story begins with a flashback to Renn’s childhood, showcasing his anxiety and his mother Lily’s (Elisabeth Shue) efforts to reassure him. Fast forward to the present, and Renn, now portrayed by Jonas with a detached performance, learns of Lily’s passing. As he heads back to Cleveland, he encounters various family dynamics and meets Zoey (Alexandra Shipp), a therapist with a penchant for ’80s action movie quotes, who tries to help him navigate the situation.
Despite a strong supporting cast, including Brittany Snow as Renn’s sister Leigh and David Arquette as Lily’s second husband Rick, the film often feels derivative. The dialogue and character arcs frequently tread well-worn paths without adding meaningful depth or originality. Schwartzman’s direction and Brett Ryland’s script fail to break new ground, and Jonas’s portrayal lacks the emotional nuance needed for a role steeped in vulnerability.
Moments of humor and side character interactions offer occasional respite from the film’s predictable beats, but they are not enough to overcome the overall mediocrity of “The Good Half.” The film ultimately serves as a reminder of the better, more impactful stories of grief and family that have come before it.
