“Everything’s Fine” (DVD Review)

MichelleSalyga October 10, 2010 No Comments

by: Michelle Salyga (Out Impact on Facebook, Out Impact on Twitter)

Ever thought about reconnecting with your family? In “Everybody’s Fine“ starring Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockell we find De Niro’s character Frank Goode doing exactly that. After his grown children cancel the family reunion, Frank decides to embark on a cross-country road trip to reconnect with each of them. Envisioning their picture perfect lives, as he has painted them, he finds that their physical and emotional distance must be rekindled. During his attempt to enclose the distance he finds that his children’s lives are far from perfect. This ironic twist from the title offers viewers an unapologetically sentimental drama.

If you’re in the mood for a well acted performance that will strum obstinately at your heartstrings, then this is the movie for you. De Niro’s refreshingly open presentation of his widowed character may be the harbinger of his later period as an actor. Barrymore and Beckinsale also bring heart to the video, although their one-dimensional cuteness remains unobtrusive. Together their acting brings unavoidable sentiment while enlightening viewers to the truth and insight of the family.

Producer Kirk Jones elevates the drama with an emotional punch cultivating ideal scene selections, casting and imminent pace. Jones also establishes a central irony for Frank’s character establishing his inability to communicate on top of his presumptions that he communicates effectively. The challenges and emotional pull only heighten the sensitivity to this great drama. This quiet wonder makes viewers question how someone can know his children for thirty years and not really know a thing.

Go ahead and pick up a copy of this nuanced performance and maybe you’ll find yourself reconnecting with family around you. It might just make you pick up the phone to remind your father that he is not forgotten. Even if your phone stays in your pocket, this lovely film will be sure to jerk your heart strings and leave you realizing the importance of family.

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MichelleSalyga

Born and raised on the lovely coast of Wilmington, NC. I have been pursuing my passion for writing creatively since adolescence (having the privilege so early on of knowing my dreams and aspirations of learning literature). Currently a student at UNC-Wilmington earning a Bachelor’s in English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing. In love with life and its powerful impacts in our futures.