SYNOPSIS:
Robert De Niro leads an acclaimed
all-star cast--Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell--in
"Everybody's Fine," the heartwarming film that will
move you to laughter and tears. When Frank Goode's (De Niro's)
grown children cancel a family reunion, the recent widower
sets off on a cross-country journey to reconnect with each
of them. Expecting to share in the joys of their happy, successful
lives, his surprise visit reveals a picture that's far from
perfect. A family separated by physical and emotional distance
finds a way to come together in a story that will touch your
heart.
MOVIE REVIEW:
In this day and age of mistrust and uncertainty, we often look to loved ones to give us some sort of reassurance, even If it is of the tiniest gesture of a comforting word of “Are you fine?” Maybe it is age catching up with this reviewer that he is increasingly finding movies like this one relevant in this stage of life. So while most cynics would tell you that this Kirk Jones directed family movie is stereotypically predictable, this weary writer is recommending this touching film with lots of heart.
A remake of the Italian film Stanno tutti bene (literally translated as “They’re all fine”) by Giuseppe Tornatore, this American version is set in a more familiar background and stars more notable Hollywood stars. Robert De Niro (Stardust, The Good Shepard) plays a widow who lives by himself in New York. He is your typical father who is proud that his children have made it in life. When all four of them fail to turn up on a reunion, he takes things into his hands and decides to surprise each of them with a visit. Amongst his children are a career woman played by Kate Beckinsale (Whiteout, Vacancy), a seemingly successful musician played by Sam Rockwell (Moon, Frost/ Nixon) and a performer played by Drew Barrymore (Whip It, He’s Just Not That Into You).
As the movie’s 100 minute runtime trickles by, you cannot help but feel the helplessness of a man who has given so much, and because of the hustles and bustles of life, he is made to struggle with a faster moving generation of younger people. The visuals of this kind old man taking pictures with his modest film camera break this reviewer’s heart. It is especially poignant to note that none of what’s happening in reality is as he imagines or hopes. But he gently prods on, because he continues living in a world where everybody’s fine.
De Niro slips comfortably into his role (expect nothing less from the veteran actor) and portrays a potentially caricatured character with earnest calmness and affecting emotions. He is complemented by the equally wonderful Rockwell (who is, as usual, underrated) and the pleasing Beckinsale and Barrymore. Each brings a commanding presence in the scenes they appear in.
As the story approaches its finale, you may feel that there is nothing spectacular with the contrived picture perfect ending. However, if you look back at the journey the characters have taken, you may want to pause for a while, to reflect your own journey in life, and how it has been carved into a decent tale of heartfelt sentiments. The winning production may not be your big budget an explosion a minute blockbuster, but it has some heart which may impact how you live from this moment onwards. And continue looking for those little touches of reassurance in all corners, to make life worth living.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
This Code 3 “Just Movie” DVD contains no bonus features.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
The movie’s visual transfer is fine, and is presented in its original English language.
MOVIE RATING:
DVD
RATING :
Review
by John Li
Posted on 4 July 2010
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