Fresh from the critical and box office success of Behind The Candelabra, for which he made off with a haul of awards for his portrayal of Liberace, Michael Douglas returns in a new romantic comedy And So It Goes.

And So It Goes
Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton star in And So It Goes

Alongside Diane Keaton, Douglas plays a curmudgeonly real estate agent on the verge of retirement who suddenly has a granddaughter thrust upon him by his estranged son. Determined to continue with his life, he in turn foists the nine-year-old child upon his neighbour [Keaton]. But gradually, Douglas’ character opens up his heart to both his granddaughter and neighbour, learning to readjust his priorities in life.

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Not the most original of themes but, in the hands of legendary director Rob Reiner (Stand By Me, When Harry Met Sally), And So It Goes prominently relies on the ‘feel good’ factor and is set to tug at the heartstrings in a comfortingly familiar way, if you’re into that sort of thing. Douglas is also very much at home in the lead role, having starred in other successful romantic comedies such as You, Me & Dupree (2006) and the 2003 remake of The In-Laws.

Michael DouglasMichael Douglas in Rob Reiner's 'And So It Goes'

Initial reviews have been mixed and point out that And So It Goes is clearly aiming for older audiences, those who perhaps do not visit cinemas more than once every couple of years. Some critics have been won over by the film’s fundamental warmth, though others have attacked it for clumsiness and over-predictability. The Hollywood Reporter says it “starts off clumsily but grows more engaging as it continues”, while Variety is a lot less kind, stating that “you never feel anything significant is at stake for anyone – save for a paycheck”.

Ouch. But if anybody can turn a seemingly predictable script into box office gold, then a Reiner / Douglas team stand the best chance.

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Watch And So It Goes trailer below: