Every year I set myself a target, usually of about 100, of films to watch. These are new films. Not new, new films. But films that are new to me. Any time I’ve seen a new one, I post a bit of a brain dump of my thoughts on the film here. Enjoy!
Everything Must Go (24/05/12)
When an alcoholic relapses, causing him to lose his wife and his job, he holds a yard sale on his front lawn in an attempt to start over. A new neighbor might be the key to his return to form.
Finally, a film where I can stand Will Ferrell. Yes, you heard me. I am not a fan. I don’t ‘get’ Anchorman and I’ve not seen Old School and I’ve not got much intention to do so.
That being said, while I could stand him here, I thought his character was a tad annoying. I wanted to give him a slap upside his face every now and then. It’s a nice enough film. On the heart warming side. Though, aside from being impressed at Will Ferrell’s more dramatic acting and, as always, pleased to see more from Rebecca Hall, I just wasn’t bowled over by this film.
It’s a little bit inspiring to see someone who’s obviously not at a good point in their life to eventually pick themselves up and finally let go. But I just felt that if it weren’t for those around him, Will’s character Nick Halsey, would never have done it himself. Maybe that’s the point. His self-pity and wallowing didn’t make for the most engaging watch on TV.
I’m perhaps grading this film a little harshly. It’s a nice little film. Just not much beyond that and very forgettable.
Rating: 2/5
Read on to see all the films watched this year…
38 Films so far this year
- The Tourist 1/5 (02/01/12)
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 5/5 (03/01/12)
- World’s Greatest Dad 2/5 (14/01/12)
- Haywire 3/5 (19/01/12)
- Dead Snow 3/5 (20/01/12)
- The Artist 5/5 (21/01/12)
- Priest 2/5 (05/02/12)
- The Muppets 5/5 (15/02/12)
- Faster 4/5 (19/02/12)
- Chronicle 4/5 (22/02/12)
- Safe House 4/5 (24/02/12)
- Reservoir Dogs 4/5 (25/02/12)
- This Means War 4/5 (02/03/12)
- The Royal Tenenbaums 3/5 (03/03/12)
- Reign of Fire 3/5 (04/03/12)
- Dear John 2/5 (04/03/12)
- Road to Perdition 5/5 (05/03/12)
- The Three Musketeers 3/5 (06/03/12)
- The Eagle 2/5 (10/03/12)
- Everybody’s Fine 2/5 (14/03/12)
- Frankenstein 4/5 (15/03/12)
- Love and Other Drugs 2/5 (15/03/12)
- You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger 2/5 (17/03/12)
- The Big Lebowski 5/5 (18/03/12)
- The Hunger Games 3/5 (23/03/12)
- Headhunters 4/5 (07/04/12)
- Super 1/5 (07/04/12)
- The Cabin in the Woods 5/5 (13/04/12)
- Watchmen 4/5 (14/04/12)
- The Hurt Locker 3/5 (21/04/12)
- Avengers Assemble 5/5 (26/04/12)
- 22 Bullets 2/5 (28/04/12)
- Bad Teacher 1/5 (29/04/12)
- Red Riding Hood 1/5 (04/05/12)
- A Perfect Getaway 4/5 (05/05/12)
- Ca$h 1/5 (13/05/12)
- Kung Fu Panda 2 3/5 (14/05/12)
- Everything Must Go 2/5 (24/05/12)
I completely agree. I think it suffered a bit because they stretched out a short story to a feature length movie.
It did feel very stretched.
I really liked this. I thought it was really underrated. His relationship with the kid was sweet and Ferrell did a great job. I can understand a dislike of Ferrell. I’m writing an article on his four sports films at the moment and I’ve definitely seen too much of him recently. He’s very hit and miss. Old School has some hilarious moments but I doubt that will convince you to watch it!
Yeah, don’t think anything will convince me to watch more Ferrell.
The relationship was very sweet. One of the things I did like about this film.
I’m not a Ferrell fan either; I haven’t watched most of his comedies because I haven’t been able to even stand the trailers. So, as a recommendation from one non-Ferrell fan to another, if you want to see a good film from him, you might check out Stranger Than Fiction. It’s more of a quiet, subdued drama with only occasional moments of light comedy, and Ferrell doesn’t do his usual over-acting.
That needs to go on my list of films I need to see.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s put off by the mere sight of a Will Ferrell film trailer!
Awww, I love Will Ferrell! However, to each their own. I’ve never heard of this film and I’ve just finished watching the trailer, so I’ve decided to take a look at this! He seems impressive at first glace in a more serious role.
He definitely did some good work here. Just the film fell a little flat for me.
Interesting review Jaina. (I smile every time I type you name as I only know one other Jaina and she is my 5 yr olds best friend… and I am guess you are not 5?)
I have seen a lot more positive reviews of this one, but your review has sparked more interest. I noticed it on Netflix the other day… Maybe I will give it a go.
(Wouldn’t it be amazing if I was and I’d done all I’ve done already?!)
I think this is a bit of a polarising film. You either love it or… just don’t care for it.
Wow, I mean it’s a modest little film but I thought it was good. Ferrell doesn’t try to add his brand of humor to his character and it’s a nice change of pace to see him in a dramatic role.
I dunno what it was, I was fine watching it. Just … by the end, I was glad it was over.
I’m not a huge Ferrell fan either, but I really enjoyed this film. It was great to see him go the dramatic route instead of his usual loud, obnoxious comedic roles.
Definitely good to see him do something other than his usual frenetic comedy.
I quite enjoyed this one, but no, I didn’t LOVE it. I think I appreciate it more because of Rebecca Hall, and Will Smith not doing the usual dumb slapstick stuff. It’s a bit boring in parts though.
Aww, Ruth, think you’ve got Will Smith on the brain with him being everywhere at the moment with MiB3!
I think I struggled with the boring parts. Not being able to sympathise with Ferrell’s character didn’t help either.