Film
Everything Must Go
Published: May 11, 2011
Omnipresent funnyman Will Ferrell changes it up and goes serious as a guy who loses his job, wife, etc., and we get to watch him live among his personal ruins in a slightly absurd, slightly surreal suburban setting. If we had never seen the 1968 film The Swimmer starring Burt Lancaster, based on a short story by John Cheever, we would not say this film reminds us of that, and we are recommending this film while possibly also giving you a homework assignment, and yes, we are saying Ferrell reminds us of Lancaster here because we keep thinking it and are compelled to share. Go is based on a short story by Raymond Carver, who knows a little about drinking, so there is your “spoiler alert.” Ferrell really goes for it in terms of not being a goofball, which is tough for somebody who is a highly paid professional goofball, and the funny that rolls like sweat out from his character is not shtick, it is genuine and engaging, and his darker turns are heartfelt and surprisingly well played. Ferrell is supported by a good cast including Christopher Jordan Wallace (Biggie’s kid) and Stephen Root, who has singlehandedly brought back the art of being a Character Actor and since we’re in that kind of mood, we declare him the new Wilford Brimley to Mr. Ferrell’s Lancaster, yes, it’s kinda ridiculous but we will keep saying it. Also featuring Laura Dern, who just always looks like all she has to do is roll out of bed and be Laura Dern, but we know it’s because she’s good enough to make it look easy.
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