EVERYBODY’S FINE – Reviewed by Noah

Everybody’s Fine, the third film from Waking Ned Devine director Kirk Jones, is a remake of an Italian film of the same name.

It’s the story of Frank Goode (Robert DeNiro), a recent widower. After his children (Drew Barrymore, Sam Rockwell, and Kate Beckinsale) all call and cancel a planned weekend, he decides to go visit them.

And it’s awkward. A father who thinks he knows all about his children finds out that his late wife only told him the good things, what he wanted to hear. The kids all have problems, and still try to hide them from dear old dad.

I really don’t know what else to say. The title says it all, I guess. Everybody’s fine. DeNiro is perfectly acceptable as the proud papa, Barrymore does ok as the Vegas dancing daughter, Beckinsale does an effective job as the successful one, and Rockwell, actually Rockwell was fairly entertaining as the percussionist son.

There are overtones of About Schmidt, and maybe a touch of Home for the Holidays, or The Daytrippers. It’s a decent film, and one I wouldn’t feel weird watching with my mother. Consider that my recommendation. – [DVD]

Drama

Rated PG-13

DVD Release Date: 2/23/10