A very different Will Ferrell film Only those fans not familiar with Ferrell’s more understated performances in “Melinda & Melinda” and the magical “Stranger Than Fiction” will be surprised by his poignancy and depth in “Everything Must Go.” Here Ferrell plays Nick, a successful V.P. of Sales who gets fired by his company and kicked to the curb (or more literally front lawn) by his wife on the same day. Nick’s alcoholic tendencies could’ve made this film a downer or a dark comedy but as it turns out, it is surprisingly affable, gently sentimental, heart piercingly authentic and, ultimately, hopeful. In other words this is a wonderful change of scenery for Ferrell and more evidence of his versatility. A terrific supporting cast featuring Rebecca Hall, Laura Dern, Michael Pena and late rapper Biggie Small’s teenage son Christopher Jordan Wallace add plenty to a quietly powerful gem of a movie.
Rated R for language (including 2 F words) and some sexual content.
Grade: B+
Bruce Bennett Short Bio
Bruce Bennett has been the primary contributor to Mad About Movies since it began in 2003. He is an award winning film and theater critic who, since 2000, has been writing a weekly column in The Spectrum daily newspaper in southern Utah as well as serving as a contributing editor of “The Independent,” a monthly entertainment magazine. He is also the co-host of “Film Fanatics” a movie review show which earned a Telly in 2009. Bruce is also a featured contributor at: RottenTomatoes.com
His motto: "I see bad movies so you don't have to."