Saturday, May 21, 2011

Everything Must Go

Will Ferrell plays an alcoholic salesman who has recently relapsed on a business trip and been fired from his job as a result of it. When he returns to his house he finds his wife has changed the locks, cancelled his credit cards, and strewn all of his possessions across the lawn. Out of spite, Nick begins to lived on his lawn but soon faces arrest for doing so. In order to remain, he begins to have a yard sale, eventually hocking all of his possessions while he begins to get his life in order. Will Ferrell stars in a toned down, slightly more serious role here in a film based on a short story by Raymond Carver. The film itself is slight containing many elements we've seen before while occasionally missing opportunities for big laughs. Still, I found the film to be amusing and I loved watching what is actually a pretty great cast at work: Will Ferrell continues to demonstrate how well comics fit into dramatic roles. Rebecca Hall, a lovely young actress who has left an impression in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, The Town, and Please Give, again is delightful as Ferrel's pregnant neighbor. Laura Dern, another fine actress, does nice work in a small part as his high school classmate. Even the young CJ Wallace, who happens to be the son of the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. is affable a young boy who helps Ferrell with his sale. Everything Must Go is enjoyable entertainment and although Ferrell's role is not as dramatic as many claim, it is something.