Iffy for 16+
Smart, poignant dramedy puts alcoholism front and center.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this moving drama, based on a short story by Raymond Carver, is far from the usual broad comedies that star Will Ferrell is known for. Though inflected with humor, it’s a serious and sobering (no pun intended) movie about a man slipping over the brink of life -- giving in to his alcoholism and losing his marriage and all his belongings. There’s some swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k"), a few brief sexually charged scenes (with partial nudity and kink), and loads and loads of drinking (the lead character is an alcoholic, after all).
- Families can talk about how the movie presents addiction. Is there any glamour here? What are the consequences of Nick's drinking?
- What can viewers learn from Nick’s predicament and his response to it?
- Why do you think Ferrell would choose to make a movie like this? Do you think he's trying to appeal to his usual fan base?
The good stuff
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Messages: Amid the serious content, the movie's main message is a simple but important one: Addiction destroys. It's paired with the notion that redemption is available if you want it.
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Role models: Nick is hardly an obvious role model, but how he deals with the hand he's dealt evolves into something pretty admirable. And Kenny is astoundingly wise beyond his years.
What to watch for
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Violence: A man slashes a tire and keys a car; later, he has a confrontation with someone in a parking lot. Some shoving and yelling. The man also urinates into a fish pond out of spite and throws an object at a window.
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Sex: A couple is shown in S&M wear, presumably having sex. A middle-schooler finds a trove of Playboy magazines. Conversations about infidelity.
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Language: Words include "s--t," "f--k," "piss," "ass," "a--hole," "bulls--t," "crap," "damn," and more.
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Consumerism: Pabst Blue Ribbon is prominently displayed; other labels seen include Budweiser, Schwinn, and Taurus.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The main character is an alcoholic who is seen guzzling from beer cans, sometimes with desperation. There’s nothing glamorous about it at all.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
"Everything must go" by sly_sly
This movie wasn't my first choice to see and then when I was told that Will Ferrel was the star I wasn't too sure about spending money on a silly movie. But it was the last one for the night so I took a chance. I was joined by a couple of "talkers" and thought that would be the quality of the movie I would be watching. The two guys talked throughout but you know I didn't mind as this movie surprised me. It had heart and Mr. Ferrell did a superb job as did the rest of the cast. Good watch that I want my wife to watch...
2
Everything must go: a journy through catharsis by trujeepcj5
DISCLAIMER If you are a Will Farrell fan, don't see this movie.
I went into this movie expecting to witness a cathartic experience, which i did. However, that was all there was to the movie. A sprinkling of dark humor throughout the film kept me in my seat but otherwise this was a slow film reminiscent of a low budget Indy film. By the time the credits came up i was surprised because there were so many questions left unanswered. I would not recommend that anyone other than the most hardcore film buffs see this film.
2
Falls Short on many ends by TRice3124
The dialogue is random and forced. Very little if any continuity between characters. Not sure who we're supposed to identify with and what each character's contribution is. Had some funny lines, but very disappointing in the end.
4
Review title (optional) by jackxrobbins
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Everything Must Go by grandmajet
Everything Must Go, including this movie!
B-O-R-I-N-G!! I didn't get emotionally caught up in this guy's life like I was expecting I would. I normally root for the underdog, but in this case I felt nothing. I guess I would have to blame the writer's on this one. Like I said, B-O-R-I-N-G.