You’d think putting two Oscar winners like Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas in a room together would be an automatic slam dunk. Right? They’re icons. They’ve defined entire decades of cinema. Yet, when their 2014 collaboration And So It Goes hit theaters, the critics basically took a collective sledgehammer to it.
It was rough.
But honestly? If you actually sit down and watch it now, away from the snarky 2014 "Rotten Tomatoes" frenzy, there’s something kind of sweet about it. It’s not trying to be The Godfather. It’s a movie about old people being messy. And let’s be real, we don't get enough of that.
What is And So It Goes actually about?
The plot is pretty straightforward, almost comfy in its predictability. Michael Douglas plays Oren Little. He’s a real estate agent who is, to put it lightly, a total jerk. He’s grieving his wife, he’s bitter about his career, and he spends his days being mean to neighbors and shooting paintballs at dogs.
Then, life happens.
His estranged son Luke (played by Scott Shepherd) shows up and drops off a 9-year-old granddaughter Oren never knew existed. Suddenly, this misanthrope has to learn how to be a human again. Enter Diane Keaton as Leah, the neighbor who sings in a lounge and cries during her sets because she misses her late husband.
They’re both broken. They’re both "seniors." And they’re both incredibly stubborn.
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The Rob Reiner connection
This film was directed by Rob Reiner. If that name sounds familiar, it should—he’s the guy behind When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride. People expected that same lightning in a bottle. Because Reiner had worked with Douglas before on The American President (1995), there was this high-bar expectation for sharp, witty dialogue.
Instead, we got a movie that felt more like a warm blanket. Some called it "bland," but others found it "refreshing." It’s a matter of perspective, really.
Why people still search for this Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas film
Most people find this movie on streaming platforms on a Sunday afternoon when they want something that doesn't involve superheroes or explosions. It’s a "comfort watch."
There are a few things that make it stick in your brain:
- The Chemistry: Despite the script being a bit "paint-by-numbers," Keaton and Douglas are pros. They have this lived-in energy.
- The Singing: Diane Keaton actually sings in the movie. It’s quirky. It’s very Diane Keaton.
- The Setting: It was filmed in Connecticut—Bridgeport, Southport, and Bristol. The "Little Shangri-La" fourplex they live in looks like a place you’d actually want to retire.
- Frances Sternhagen: She plays Oren's real estate partner, Claire. She steals every scene she's in. Sadly, this was her final film role before she passed away in 2023.
The "Grumpy Old Man" Trope
Oren Little is basically the Connecticut version of Melvin Udall from As Good As It Gets. It’s a classic trope for a reason. We love watching a guy who hates everything slowly realize that he actually likes people.
When Oren shoots a dog with a paintball gun in the first ten minutes, you hate him. By the end, when he’s trying to figure out how to take care of Sarah (the granddaughter), you’re rooting for the guy. It’s formulaic, sure. But formulas exist because they work.
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Real talk: Why did critics hate it so much?
The "Rotten Tomatoes" score sits at a dismal 16%. Ouch.
Critics felt it was "uninspired." They thought Rob Reiner was playing it too safe. Some called it "mawkish." Honestly, I get it. If you’re looking for a deep exploration of the human condition, this isn't it.
But if you’re looking for a movie where Michael Douglas drinks martinis and Diane Keaton wears amazing hats while they bicker about a nine-year-old? It’s perfect.
Behind the scenes fun facts
Interestingly, the idea for the movie came from a conversation during the press junket for The Bucket List. Michael Douglas hadn’t worked with Diane Keaton before this, which is wild considering they’ve both been in the business since the 70s.
Keaton once joked that Michael Douglas was on her "bucket list" of actors she wanted to kiss on screen. She finally got to cross that one off.
Is it worth your time?
Look, it’s 94 minutes long. That’s a brisk pace for a modern movie.
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If you like:
- Nancy Meyers-adjacent aesthetics (big kitchens, waterfront views).
- Diane Keaton’s "flibbertigibbet" energy.
- Michael Douglas being a lovable curmudgeon.
- Heartwarming endings that don't require a PhD to understand.
Then yeah, you’ll probably enjoy it. It performed modestly at the box office, making about $25 million against an $18 million budget. It wasn't a blockbuster, but it found its audience on home video and cable.
Actionable insights for your next movie night
If you're planning to watch And So It Goes, here's how to make the most of it:
- Double Feature it: Watch it back-to-back with Something's Gotta Give. It’s interesting to see how Keaton’s "late-life romance" characters evolved over a decade.
- Check out the soundtrack: Marc Shaiman did the music. He’s a legend. The lounge covers Keaton performs are actually quite charming if you’re in the right mood.
- Spot the locations: If you’re from New England, keep an eye out for Lake Compounce amusement park in Bristol. It plays a big part in a "family bonding" scene.
Ultimately, this movie is a reminder that even Hollywood legends like Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas don't always need to change the world with a film. Sometimes, they just want to tell a story about starting over when you’re seventy. And honestly? That’s enough.
To get the full experience, check which streaming services currently have And So It Goes in their library—it frequently pops up on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Grab some popcorn, ignore the 2014 critics, and just enjoy two masters of their craft having a bit of fun on the Connecticut coast.