By Tiffany
Opened December 4, 2009 | Runtime: 1 hr. 35 min.
PG-13: thematic elements and brief strong language
Setup: Robert De Niro is a widower who’s kids all last minute cancel on a planned family get-together at home. So he packs up and heads out across the country by train and bus (he doesn’t fly) to see why. It’s billed as a dramedy, but it’s much heavier on the drama and all the comedic moments are really in the trailer.
This is a heavier movie than I was expecting. And sadder. A bit darker. This is not “Meet The Parents” (though there is a scene where De Niro makes funny faces at a baby.) De Niro and Barrymore give really good, strong performances. Kate Beckinsale needs to seriously cut back on the spray tan, it was totally distracting. Sam Rockwell seemed a little confused, but then so was his character. The script and plot were fairly solid. And it ends at Christmastime, so I guess that will somehow, someday make this a Christmas movie. Eh, not on my list of classics.
So, did I like it? Yes and no. It was good. I wanted funnier. I cried more than expected. It was real, but not real. Like, it was TRYING to be real (how parents expectations can be too high and children, even adult children don’t want to disappoint them) but the kinds of things they were hiding, eh not so much. But then again, my family is probably way too honest and open with each other.
I did really love how when he would first see his kids, he would first “see” them as children. Like when he shows up at Kate’s house and she’s out back talking on the phone. When it cuts to him seeing her, it’s a little girl about 8 or 9 talking on the phone and kind of skipping. I think a LOT of parents will identify with that. It was a very sweet and touching element and actually becomes key later on.
My parents saw it last night too, at a different showing. I talked to my mom about it this morning. They didn’t really like it. But then again, she thinks Wedding Crashers is one of the funniest movies ever and they both prefer films where things get blown up. So, consider the source!
My overall review: Hesitant. The jury is still out on this one. Just don’t expect a lot of laughs.
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Comments
4 Responses to Everybody’s Fine
Kate Beckinsale needs to seriously cut back on the spray tan, it was totally distracting.
LOL. That’s not good when it’s the first thing you notice about a character.
This movie interested me. After seeing your review, I am not sure if I will make it or not. If I do, it will be to see two really good actors – De Niro and Barrymore.
I laughed when I read the line also, Anya. Tiffany writes great reviews.
I think I would still like to see this movie. Maybe not in the theater but probably on Netflix. I am a sap for these type of movies. I especially like De Niro in these types of movies.
Thanks Tiffany- I too laughed at the spray tan line. I wanted to see this but now I’m thinking I may not. I hate it when a trailer leads you to believe its funny but its really dramatic.
I saw The Blind Side last night and loved it!
Thanks for the review, Tiffany. It sounds like something I’d like to see, but maybe not just before Christmas – I was also expecting funnier and more “feel-good” from the commercials I saw.