Iffy for 14+
De Niro's dysfunctional family drama is touching but mature.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this holiday drama starring Robert De Niro deals with some heavy themes that aren't age-appropriate for young children. Of the main character's four grown-up children, one (mostly unseen) is a jailed substance abuser, and the others are grappling with issues including sexuality, divorce, and single parenthood. There's quite a bit of swearing for a PG-13 movie, especially during a comical scene between a grandfather and grandson ("f--k," "s--t"). There's also a lot of lying, and one character dies (off screen), while another ends up in the hospital after being mugged. Still, in the end, the movie aims to send a positive message about acceptance and honesty between parents and their adult children.
- Families can talk about the movie's lesson about parent-child relationships. Which of Frank'schildren seems to have the healthiest relationship with him? What abouthis grandson, Jack? How do secrets and lies affect Frank and his kids?
- How does this film compare to other holiday family movies? Why do holiday movies often seem to feature families in distress or with relationship problems?
- How does the movie portray sibling relationships? Is it believable that Frank'schildren would keep such important aspects of their lives a secret fromhim but not each other?
The good stuff
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Messages: The grown-up children all lie to their father about incredibly important aspects of their lives, including pregnancy, babies, divorce, and sexuality. But ultimately they make amends and start to relate to him better.
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Role models: Frank's grown-up children send an iffy message to younger audiences about how to deal with parents. Amy, Robert, and Rosie all lie to their father and keep important details about their lives from him. Although they eventually start confiding in their father and telling him the truth, it comes too late to prevent some negative consequences.
What to watch for
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Violence: Frank is mugged by a young homeless man. The man stomps on Frank's prescription medicine, and Frank ends up in the hospital. A character, unseen but spoken about often, dies off camera.
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Sex: Amy flirts with a man who's not her husband. Rosie and Amy are shown with their significant others. A woman who is obviously a prostitute jokingly asks Frank if he wants to see "her leg." Rosie (shown as a young girl) says that she likes "girls."
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Language: Fairly strong language, including "f--k," "s--t," exclamations of "oh my God," "Christ!" and "Jesus!," "damn," "hell," etc.
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Consumerism: Brands featured include Audi, BMW, and McDonald's.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Robert smokes a cigarette, then says he's quitting, then smokes another cigarette. One character who's mostly unseen (but talked about often) is an imprisoned substance abuser.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
This Movie is an Upper Level Class in Family Dynamics by Chicago Movie Fan
This movie has deceptive depth. Its NOT for everyone, a bit of a niche play; not everyone will get. It's best suited for parents who take their role seriously & philosophically or mature children who are trying to connect with their parents' world view. Others are likely to feel like walking out early in this well crafted film.
That said, we're part of the target demographic and I felt like walking out after the first 1/2 hour, but I'm glad we didn't. As the movie progressed, we saw much truth as witnessed in our lives and in the lives of others that we care about and felt there was a worthwhile message.
The acting is rock solid across the board. De Niro proves, as always, to be a consummate professional. Drew Barrymore is her authentic self; who could want more. All other roles are very well played. The story has redemptive uplift, but much of the movie is likely too real for anyone who has a high maintenance need to have sunshine blown their way all the time.
5
Everybody's Unconditional Love by fooeydo
My husband, friends and I went opening day. I loved it, I got it! Robert DeNiro is a favorite of mine and came through as the wonderful mature father, retired day laborer who put his family first. His wife (not in the movie at all except through pictures) was a Stay-at-Home mother going about the business of tending the kids while he made his labor pay off financially for their educations and involvment in their arts as did our mothers and fathers while enjoying leisure with us at home outside work.
I very much appreciated that I was not spoon fed the plot. The entire presentation was much like reading a friendly book. It was comfortably ambling through the emotions of discovery as this newly alone father adapts to his role in his children's lives and they in his without the loving intercessions of the mother who allowed him to be the working man/provider in which he found completion because of her abilities to be his mirror partner in the lives of their children.
4
everybody's fine by mommatea
very very sad...but Deniro awesome
4
Thought-provoking by noramax
Thought provoking, not a light-hearted holiday tale as we expected. Both my husband and I cried. The meandering details tie together nicely at the end with the view through the window of David's painting.
4
Everybody's Fine by two131952
Was totally unexpected story line....my husband and I thought it would be a feel good family holiday story...and in a way it eventually turned towards that direction. DeNiro was genius in his role....a personality that can be related to by many american fathers. It was a character that couldn't be over played....and he nailed it....I thought the author was very strategic in how he introduced each adult child's personal issue and later brought them all together thru DeNiro's acceptance. I'd recommend it to others to see.
4
EYE OPENING MOVIE ON FAMILY RELATIONS..... by lovestalentmoviefan
....that can wait for dvd release. I don't like saying that,I personally think the film deserves theatre viewing. It is just that if the cast were unknowns,or even less popular actors,it would not have been quite so charming and riveting. Mild on comedy,DeNiro is given the whole of laughable antics. Very heart warming,and an original way to get through and figure out the "unsaids"in this family's dynamic.Very clean.Not for kids or teens,as far as interest factor. I will pay more money in theatres for family friendly and admiriation of cast,but others might balk at theatre prices for a solid,but not very dramatic movie experience.
4
Everybody's Fine by xcalibr60
I like the film because it was well done. Robert DeNiro is a gret actor and I enjoy all his work.
4
WRONG TITLE, WRONG PREVIEWS AND WRONG POSTER ART by keatsgirl
Unfortunately,these errors probably cost this movie. The reason this is getting any bad reviews is because it is not at all what you are expecting, This family coming of age in the wake of the mother's death drama is exquisitely acted and original in the execution of a familiar concept. I say go if THAT is the kind of movie you are looking for. All performances were just right,and although there were a couple of slow moving areas,story keeps you engaged. I am not giving a Must Go, because it may not be "theatrical" or "edgy" enough for some to feel good about spending the money. Myself,I had no qualms and will see it one more tim. Bring tissues. DeNiro is outstanding.
4
good movie for families and parents of grown children by monti1822
A realistic movie about families growing older and children leaving their nests. Showed the frustrations of parents as their kids grow up and get too busy with their own lives and families and can't give the attention and love that parents expect. It also is a wake-up call to parents to be more loving and involved in their childrens lives while they are young and in need of love and affection.
5
Everybody Fine by The Big Al
This is a outstanding movie.
Young need to watch this movie.
Old need to watch this movie.
I will not spoil it for you.
It will tug at your emoutions!
Well worth the admission price.