Everybody’s Fine, a drama about a recently retired widower who makes an impromptu cross-country pilgrimage that reveals a host of family secrets, releases on DVD & Blu-ray tomorrow.
Release Date: February 23, 2010
Run Time: 100 minutes
Rated: PG-13
Everybody’s Fine is a bittersweet reminder of the lengths people go to protect those they love. A finely drawn depiction of a family defined by the things they don’t tell each other, Everybody’s Fine stars two-time Academy Award® winner Robert De Niro (Best Supporting Actor, The Godfather Part II, 1974 and Best Actor, Raging Bull, 1980) as the patriarch of the far flung Goode clan. In one of the most moving portrayals of his storied career, De Niro leads an award winning ensemble that includes Drew Barrymore (He’s Just Not That Into You, Whip It), Kate Beckinsale (the Underworld Franchise, Pearl Harbor) and Sam Rockwell (G-Force, Frost/Nixon). Critics including Karen Durbin of Elle have praised the film’s “First-rate performances,” while Pete Hammond of Box Office Magazine singles out De Niro for his “Wonderful, award worthy work.”
Everybody’s Fine is a straight up drama, not a heartfelt dramedy as one would be made to believe. In fact, this film is the last film anybody should watch around the holidays as it is quite emotionally draining. Viewers watch Frank, a retired widower who is sick attempt to visit and enjoy a stay with each of his daughters and sons who are all avoiding him because of the secrets that they hold. As this happens in reality plenty of times, the communication among the family has been distanced after the death of Frank’s wife, therefore forming a very disconnected family and somewhat predictable story line here on out.
The children, all grown adults try to present a perfect life as to not disappoint their father as Frank is trying to appreciate the present but finds himself connecting more to the memories of his children at a young age. Both are presented well, especially the latter. My issue with the first mention is that all but one, Frank’s daughter seems to be thrilled to see her father. This makes for complex characters all around but unlikable characters for the most part. This makes Everybody’s Fine quite simply unmemorable.
Nobody is fine and nothing is entertaining. It’s like watching all of the dull parts of your life or the life of someone that you know. If you gravitate towards films that have a dry tone, then this film will be fine for you. Otherwise, I would not recommend that you take the time out to watch Everybody’s Fine…because frankly, you won’t be fine with the time that you wasted.
Bonus Features:
The Making of Paul McCartney’s “(I Want To) Come Home” (9:47)- In this feature, Paul first discusses in the recording studio how he became involved in the project as we see Paul explaining to the orchestra the project. It’s quite comedic, as Paul has a great sense of humor and it is also very inspiring as Paul discusses how he made the song his own and keeping the simplicity of the song musically. Viewers see Paul recording in the studio as well as the orchestra. This documents the making of McCartney’s “(I Want To) Come Home” very well, as we get much more of a glimpse into the making of this project, so Paul McCartney fans will appreciate this feature very much.
Deleted and Extended Scenes – There are 4 deleted scenes and 3 extended scenes. The first is “Book of Directions” (55 seconds) and it is such a sweet scene that I would have definitely liked to have seen in this film. Bonding with strangers, there is nothing like it. This scene portrayed it so well. The next is an extended version of the scene, “An Artist” (2:40) which also would have been sweet to see in the film though I am thrilled this extended scene was able to make it on the bonus features…as my favorite scenes in this film are with the children at a young age. The next is also an extended scene, “Every Day Is a Storm” (3:20) and as this scene seems to be dry as it is, I was thrilled that this extended cut did not make it in the end. The deleted scene, “Red River Valley” (54 seconds) shows a woman singing on the bus that Frank rides. This is another thankful pass. As is the next deleted scene, “You Like Hot Dogs?” (1:28). Though the last deleted scene, “Airport” (1 minute) shows Frank talking to a stranger, once again, and those moments are quite precious so viewers will appreciate that this made it to the bonus features. Lastly, the extended scene, “I’m Sorry” (1:32) is a good scene though after watching it, you may understand why it was cut. Overall, there is great material in the bonus features, so if you enjoyed the film, definitely check out the deleted and extended scenes.
Everybody’s Fine is available on DVD & Blu-ray February 23, 2010.