Everybody’s Fine MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +4 Content: -2

Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore and Sam Rockwell. Directed by Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Waking Ned).

FILM SYNOPSIS: A retired widower embarks on an impromptu road trip to reconnect with each of his grown children. Quickly he discovers that their lives are far from picture perfect and that he is to blame for some of it. Remake of a 1990 Italian film starring Marcello Mastroianni, the film focuses on a blue-collar worker who pushed his children to be all they could, only to find that they resented the aggressive prodding.

PREVIEW REVIEW: I guess we all have family horror stories, where relatives behave not just badly, but mysteriously towards one another. The irony is that no one really wants to be alienated from kith and kin, we just get caught up in our own problems and busyness. So, when the least irritable situation arises, family members are written off. Everybody’s Fine reminds us to savor relationships and to heal wounds before the last opportunity passes.


While I could have done without the several profane uses of Christ’s name by the lead, I found this drama to be a powerful parable concerning family acceptance, understanding and love. It’s Oscar time again for DeNiro; Beckinsale and Barrymore are outstanding; director Kirk Jones has made a remarkable and touching film; and audiences will find themselves moved by the script’s poignant ending.

If you prefer to skip a story that contains objectionable language and themes of lesbianism (read the content section), then you may wish to try the following suggested DVD alternatives.

Trip To Bountiful (1985). Simple but well-told story of discontented widow (Geraldine Page) who decides to make a last pilgrimage to her childhood home. Page won Best Actress for her wonderfully textured performance. The beautiful rendition of "Softly and Tenderly" by Christian performer Cynthia Clawson is worth the rental price. PG (contains a couple of expletives).

The Curse of the Cat People (1944). Forget the studio-demanded title, this is a thriller with gentle moments that touch the soul. B-film producer Val Lewton was forced to take this lurid title and turn it into a horror film. Instead, he injected psychological thrills into the sometimes spooky drama, and then addressed issues of a child’s mental care. It’s a moody, atmospheric follow-up to 1942’s Cat People. The story concerns a lonely little girl, perfectly played by Ann Carter, seeking friendship from what turns out not to be a make-believe angel. Contains some scary moments, but it is also a moving fantasy.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Miramax