On CLIPS In January, 2010
EVERYBODY'S FINE

A widower (Robert De Niro) tries to reconnect with his grown children in this film that features a new song from Paul McCartney.

TRIVIA: What 1973 James Bond movie featured a title song by Paul McCartney?

When a family reunion fails to materialize, widower Frank Goode (Robert De Niro) decides to take a trip and pay surprise visits to each of his grown children. "Everybody's Fine" is a thought-provoking family drama that works mostly because of another great performance by Robert De Niro. It's a very realistic portrayal of a man who has worked hard to provide for his family, with the resulting reward being loneliness. Based on the 1990 Italian film "Stanno tutti bene", writer/director Kirk Jones ("Waking Ned") guides a stellar cast through the deliberately slow-paced dramatics. Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell are superb as three of the grownup children. The fate of another son lends a touch of mystery to a story that gets heavy-handed at times. Yet Mr. De Niro makes even the bad times worth watching. There is also another good song, "(I Want To) Come Home", written and performed by Paul McCartney - reason enough to be thankful for "Everybody's Fine". This is not the happiest and most uplifting film of the year. The message about family is clear - and that's just fine with me.