Review of Everything Must Go (2011) by Isaac H — 30 Sep 2011

It's often a little too sentimental for its own good, but Everything Must Go rides on Ferrell's convincing performance in the lead role.

***EXTENDED REVIEW***.

Everything Must Go tells the story of Nick Halsey, a down and out recovering-alcoholic salesman who has the displeasure of losing his job, his marriage and his home on the same day. Enlisting the help of a likable neighborhood kid, Nick reluctantly begins an estate sell in order to retain the legality of using his own front lawn as a home.

This might sound like your typical brand of Ferrell-style shenanigans that come with most all of the actor's films, but Everything Must Go is really not a comedy at heart. Sure, you'll laugh here and there but this is a drama, and if you go in expecting this then you'll get a positive experience with the movie.

The film is often a bit too sappy for its own good, however. It never gets cheesy per se, but there are scenes in the film bordering on melodrama that just don't feel at home with the rest of the film's inherent likability in the face of this depressing situation.

Not only is Ferrell's performance spectacular, but his character really gained my empathy by the time the credits rolled. I didn't want it to end badly for him. I wanted Nick to pull through these tough times to come out on top.

Everything Must Go isn't your typical Ferrell fare, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's got some surprising dramatic depth that sometimes overshoots its boundaries, but that doesn't mean Everything Must Go should be ignored if you're looking for some solid storytelling.