EVERYBODY'S FINE (2009)

Directed By: Kirk Jones
Written By: Kirk Jones
Based on a Original Screenplay By: Massimo DeRita, Tonino Guerra & Giuseppe Tornatore
Cinematography By: Henry Braham
Editor: Andrew Mondshein

Cast: Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore, Sam Rockwell, Damian Young, Brendan Sexton III, James Frain, Melissa Leo, Katherine Moennig, Ben Schwartz

The film will be heartwarming to most family centered audience members. It is even a good holiday film. The problem is that it feels artificial when it tries to go for sentiment.
Though it was written by one person it feels like a film written by committee to wring as much tenderness and heartwarming moments into the film as possible.

Now while none of the actors embarrass themselves and Robert Deniro is very understated in his performance it seems like the film is his show and the other actors are guest starring in the film. As each of them has there scenes with his him to stand toe to toe with him soon they are gone as he travels along. I initially thought that was how the film was going to play maybe the actors were too busy or the film was on a tight schedule so they had to accommodate the actors schedule. As the actors were more doing a favor to the director wanting to be involved but accepting lower paychecks because they believe in the material as this seems to be a lower budgeted studio film. That is until the scenes towards the end when they are all together with him.

What I liked about the film was that in spite of the heartwarming feeling it also dealt with tragedy and the problems he had with his family it wasn’t kitchen sink problems and it seems like the problems were taken out of melodrama 101. The problems also seem to lack the appropriate drama like they were just accepted and not really talked about too much. Plus to me for all the home is where the heart is happiness but then you have characters like the one Kate Beckinsale plays who seems cold and downright mean at times and that is how the film tries to portray the characters and situations until it is revealed there is a reason then all is supposed to be forgiven. Just Because they are family. Though the earnestness felt in this film is because it is a remake of a Italian film.

The film just feels like to came off a assembly line. I’m sure most audiences will like it but the film feels like it is talking down to it’s audience. I just didn’t like the film very much. But I’m sure my parents would love it as the film seems to be for a older audience who can maybe relate to the character played by DeNiro.

Now while Robert DeNiro has whored himself out over the last few years to projects that were undeserving of his talent. I can see why he took this one. Maybe the film would have had more affect if it was a film filled with less noticeable stars.

GRADE: D