Review of Everything Must Go (1996) by Pia K — 07 Feb 2016

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Will Ferrell does a great job as Nick the dejected alcoholic on the outs, a rare serious role he handles with great skill. It is based in a Raymond Carver short story. Interesting that I am teaching a couple of his stories this semester at one of the local colleges. The film doesn't add much to the story, but it's handled well by all involved and the rapport between Nick and Samantha (Rebecca Hall) as well as Nick and Kenny (Christopher Jordan Wallace) is enough to carry the film.

Who would think that a guy living in his front yard after having his stuff thrown out by his irate wife, would be enough to carry a film. The three main characters create an intriguing triangle, but the neighbours and his sponsor add the necessary spice and intrigue to make the film worth the while.

It has its interesting twists, but it is the growth found between the main characters, their support of each other and their love, when it gets down to it, that drives the film and makes it quite enjoyable. Not an all time classic, but a thoroughly enjoyable film for anyone looking for a little distraction from their own problems.