Although vampires and doomsday scenarios have dominated this holiday season, there are still several traditional holiday films that cover family relations, or lack of. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is heavy with family activity. Everybody’s Fine [EBFIN] is one such film that examines the nuances of being a loving father.
For those of you who appreciate Robert De Niro [RDENI] in a role other than a gangster or one spoofing a gangster, Everybody’s Fine will be a welcome sight. Throw in some Drew Barrymore [DBARR], Kate Becksinsale [KBECK] and Sam Rockwell [SROCK] and you have family bonding waiting to happen.
In Everybody’s Fine, De Niro plays Frank Goode, a widower who is used to having his children home around the holidays.
This year however, they call to cancel on their holiday plans and Frank is left without anyone to celebrate with. Instead of missing out on his kids, Frank gets mobile with a last minute road trip to visit each child. Frank learns that his adult kids’ lives are much different than what he has been told. What follows is heartfelt bonding that melts all pretenses.
While Everybody’s Fine doesn’t necessarily cover new ground in the way of Christmas films about families, De Niro’s acting has garnered much praise. Barrymore also turns in a relaxed and confident performance as his daughter. Rockwell who plays the son and Beckinsale his wife deliver strong performances as well. Director Kirk Jones is known for making feel good family films. Nanny McPhee and Waking Ned Devine are two of his best known efforts.
Although not as moving or as tightly performed as The Family Stone, Everybody’s Fine should still please those who love a good family drama. So if nothing else appeals to you this weekend, join De Niro and gang at the family table.
Tag(s): EBFIN, RDENI, DBARR, KBECK, SROCK