Review - Matt Mungle

 
In the new, holiday, family centered film Everybody's Fine, Frank (Robert De Niro) is recently retired and even more recently widowed. His four grown children are living in different parts of the US and apparently doing quite well for themselves. When all four of them cancel on a weekend get together for entirely different reasons Frank decides to take a road trip and stop in on each of them unannounced. What he discovers is that none of them are quite living the American dream his wife has led him to believe all these years. Her response to his inquiries about the kids was always, "everybody's fine". As Frank visits each of his kids he realizes more and more how out of touch he has been. He worked hard to give them a better life but in the end has to come to terms with how great a sacrifice it was.
 
If you have watched the trailer for this movie you may get the idea that it is a comic filled adventure of Frank and his family. True there are moments when the funny side of life is shown in well written dialogue but for the most part this is a dramatic film that poignantly deals with the family unit and all of its oddities and troubles. Each visit is like a separate act in a play. As Frank sees first hand the struggles and dysfunction; we see him emotionally deflate. This is a very good film but my concern is that people are going to go into it expecting one thing and find something totally unexpected. This is not in the comedy vain of De Niro's latest "Meet the Parents" flicks. This is an adult geared film that is at most times heavy, uncomfortable and heart wrenching. But perfectly crafted.
 
Writer/Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee/Waking Ned) creates a beautiful film that delicately deals with the family unit. The heavy moments are treated in a way that make them endearing and you find yourself truly feeling for Frank and his family. You want everything to work out for them all because Jones has introduced them in a slow, thoughtful way. The casting of Sam Rockwell, Drew Barrymore, and Kate Beckinsale works beneficially in this film. I am totally sold on the fact that they are siblings. Their chemistry with De Niro too is genuine. Never rushed or oversold. They are believable and adhere you to the story.
 
Everybody's Fine is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language. Fans of well written, soul searching films that deal with the family dynamic will find this one of the best of the year. Just keep in mind that though redemptive and moving it is not feel good holiday merriment. The rating is suitable for 13 and up but I truly feel that due to the pace and theme that it will not appeal to any under the age of 17. That said it is a must for parents to watch with their married and career engaged offspring. Especially over the Holidays it will hopefully create a need to draw closer together and possibly talk about those issues that get swept under the fast answer of "everybody's fine". It will make you love and appreciate family and recognize how precious time together really is. I for one could not wait to call my mom as I left the screening and could not help but notice the large number of cell phones being flipped open as parents called their children, and adults rang their parents. If for no other reason than to say, "Everything's fine". I give it 4 out of 5 luggage handles. One of De Niro's finest and a perfect ensemble cast. So says Matt Mungle