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Trust Weighted
Good
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22Trust Points
BigdaddyDave's Review
Summary - OK 2.5
Another film impacted by the current economic crisis, Everything Must Go tells a now familiar story of a middle-class man losing his job, and most of his life.
This time it’s Will Ferrell playing Nick, an alcoholic who is accused of sleeping with a co-worker. The resulting scandal forces him out of work, and incites his wife to leave him…on all the same day. To make matters worse, his wife has locked him out of the house, changed the locks, and placed all his belongings onto the front yard. Fighting to not give in to desperation, Nick decides to live on his front yard, gradually selling off his belongings. Along the way he befriends neighbors, and enlists the help of a young man, Kenny (Christopher Jordan Wallace) to help him watch and sell off his things.
This film is a marked change-of-pace from Ferrell’s usually silliness, reminiscent of his role in Stranger Than Fiction, where he embraces a cynical and sarcastic view of life, albeit serious. Sharp dialogue and imagery in this film, trump his usual goofy demeanor.
It’s been noted by social media commentators that art often imitates life. This film falls inline with others than are based on economic despair, no doubt fueled by the current economic climate. As such, it may bear striking resemblances to real-life problems faced by many of us, myself included. The resonating cinematic tone of not giving in, and making the best of a situation, is not lost on those who can relate.
Acting - OK 2.5
Male Stars - Good 3.0
Ferrell is likable as the lead role. His general optimistic outlook on life makes it easy to cheer for him to succeed. His ability to portray a serious role is appreciated.Female Stars - OK 2.5
Rebecca Hall plays the mysterious next-door-neighbor, who becomes one of the few adults that Nick seems to be able to relate to. Ok job, but nothing remarkable for this reviewer.Female Costars - OK 2.5
Male Costars - Good 3.0
Christopher Jordan Wallace plays Kenny, the lonely per-teen boy who befriends Nick. He captures in the independence and vulnerability of the role well. I look forward to seeing him in future roles.Film - OK 2.5
Direction - Good 3.0
Using the front lawn as the primary set, helps make the desperation felt by Nick seem more palpable. Director Dan Rush also does a decent job in keeping Ferrell's goofy nature in check.Dialogue - OK 2.5
One of the few drawbacks of this movie is the way it seems to bog down mid-way through the second reel. Derived form a short story, it does seem to play a bit longer than necessary.Music - Good 3.0
The frequent use of Blues music by Nick, is both appropriate and creative. Nothing like being broke and homeless, with a woman who has left you, to make Blues music ring true.Visuals - OK 2.5
Edge - Risqué 2.1
Sex Titillating 2.4
Violence Fierce 1.7
Rudeness Salty 2.2
Reality - Glib 1.1
Circumstantial - Glib 1.2
Not too far from what is really going on in society.Biological - Natural 1.0
Physical - Natural 1.0
2 Comments
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BrianSez Apr 23, 2012 7:39AM
Regarding BrianSez’s Review
Had no idea! Interesting indeed -
MJ5K Apr 22, 2012 9:46PM
Regarding BrianSez’s Review
Great review, Bri. Did you know that kid in this movie is actually the son of Notorious B.I.G.? Interesting.