THE PLOT THUS FAR
Robert DeNiro 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 (DeNiro) 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 visits reveal 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.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
Frank Goode (Robert De Niro), a recent widower and retiree, finds himself alone and out of the loop when all four of his children cancel on a family reunion. Not to be deterred by vague excuses and doctors warnings, he packs his suitcase and sets out to visit all four. Traveling by train, bus, and eventually plane, he hops all over the country in an attempt to reconnect with his brood, only to find that he does not know his children as well as he thought he did. In fact, he barely knows them at all.
Kirk Jones has made a drama that points to a relevant issue, the way we neglect older generations of Americans. Watching Frank walk around his empty house, picture perfect in suburban splendor, is a study in quiet lonelinesshe waters his lawn, puts out chairs, and readies a grill for children who aren’t coming. Jones emphasizes his point through travelers Frank meets along the way. A truck driver who recently lost her husband, an elderly diner customer forgotten by society and his son all provide testimony to the forgotten generation. The most eloquent is De Niro. His performance, a study in patience and hidden disappointment, is mostly driven by close ups. Every line, every look in Franks eye speaks of a silent resignation.
The Blu-Ray comes with a look at the making of Paul McCartney’s Golden Globe nominated end credits song. Plus, there’s a ton of deleted and extended scenes. I wish there was a commentary from director Kirk Jones to explain away that awful exposition dream scene. The A/V Quality boasts a strong 1080p transfer with a supportive DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track. Still, I wanted a tad bit more.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!
