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Created Apr 22, 2012 10:12AM PST • Edited Apr 22, 2012 10:12AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   Laid off, kicked out by your wife, driven back to the drink that caused your mess…. Will Ferrell is endearing as a relapsing alcoholic who befriends a local kid (Christopher John Wallace) and a neighbor woman (Rebecca Hall) as he sorts through the disaster he created for himself. Sitting on his lawn, all his stuff around – the relationships with his new-found friends turn out to be a blessing in disguise — both for him and them. I was somehow touched by this movie, and you just might be also.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Will Ferrell is supposed to be a drunkard in this movie, but he comes across much more subdued, and ultimately just a really good guy. Of course, he has bits of his classic comedy – but only bits. Rebecca Hall is thoughtfully attractive – cautiously supportive. Laura Dern – recognizable – but just a short part. She could have been the Rebecca Hall in this movie. Standout kid actor was a surprise. Wonder if we’ll see more of him. Stephen Root has a few short stints as well. Always liked him.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Good 3.0

    The focus of this film is basically a character study for Will Ferrell, and it was a remarkable achievement as such. Nothing special about the production other than the well chosen characters.

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.1

17. Sex Innocent 1.1

18. Violence Gentle 1.1

19. Rudeness Polite 1.1

21. Reality

    Glib 1.8

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.8

23. Biological Glib 1.8

24. Physical Glib 1.8