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Created Dec 13, 2011 12:09PM PST • Edited Dec 13, 2011 12:13PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   Another film impacted by the current economic crisis, Everything Must Go tells a now familiar story of a middle-class man losing his job, and most of his life.

   This time it’s Will Ferrell playing Nick, an alcoholic who is accused of sleeping with a co-worker. The resulting scandal forces him out of work, and incites his wife to leave him…on all the same day. To make matters worse, his wife has locked him out of the house, changed the locks, and placed all his belongings onto the front yard. Fighting to not give in to desperation, Nick decides to live on his front yard, gradually selling off his belongings. Along the way he befriends neighbors, and enlists the help of a young man, Kenny (Christopher Jordan Wallace) to help him watch and sell off his things.

   This film is a marked change-of-pace from Ferrell’s usually silliness, reminiscent of his role in Stranger Than Fiction, where he embraces a cynical and sarcastic view of life, albeit serious. Sharp dialogue and imagery in this film, trump his usual goofy demeanor.

   It’s been noted by social media commentators that art often imitates life. This film falls inline with others than are based on economic despair, no doubt fueled by the current economic climate. As such, it may bear striking resemblances to real-life problems faced by many of us, myself included. The resonating cinematic tone of not giving in, and making the best of a situation, is not lost on those who can relate.

4. Acting

   OK 2.5

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

   Ferrell is likable as the lead role. His general optimistic outlook on life makes it easy to cheer for him to succeed. His ability to portray a serious role is appreciated.

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

   Rebecca Hall plays the mysterious next-door-neighbor, who becomes one of the few adults that Nick seems to be able to relate to. Ok job, but nothing remarkable for this reviewer.

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

   Christopher Jordan Wallace plays Kenny, the lonely per-teen boy who befriends Nick. He captures in the independence and vulnerability of the role well. I look forward to seeing him in future roles.

10. Film

    OK 2.5

11. Direction Good 3.0

    Using the front lawn as the primary set, helps make the desperation felt by Nick seem more palpable. Director Dan Rush also does a decent job in keeping Ferrell’s goofy nature in check.

12. Play OK 2.5

    One of the few drawbacks of this movie is the way it seems to bog down mid-way through the second reel. Derived form a short story, it does seem to play a bit longer than necessary.

13. Music Good 3.0

    The frequent use of Blues music by Nick, is both appropriate and creative. Nothing like being broke and homeless, with a woman who has left you, to make Blues music ring true.

14. Visuals OK 2.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.1

17. Sex Titillating 2.4

    No nudity, but a scene that suggests sadomasochism.

18. Violence Fierce 1.7

19. Rudeness Salty 2.2

    a fair share of swear words.

21. Reality

    Glib 1.1

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.2

    Not too far from what is really going on in society.

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0