Hey guys, this blog is in response to a thread about everyone's other hobbies. One of mine is watching and reviewing movies. I realize it's a little off-topic, but I'm going to post a movie review (with a slight numismatic twist). If people like it, I'll review some more! "Everbody's Fine" In Kirk Jone's latest film, widower Frank Goode (Robert DeNiro) sets off on a cross country adventure to reconnect with his children after they cancel on a planned get together. The film opens by giving us an insight into Goode's world. His wife recently passed, recently retired, he spends his time keeping up the house, gardening, and attempting to connect with his children whom he has not seen since his wife's funeral. After his children ditch him for varying reasons, Frank packs up his clothes, meds and catches a train to New York. From here Frank spends the majority of the film meeting (or in his first child, David's case, missing) the rest of the children only to discover things are not as perfect as he thought. Parallel to film's major plot line, is the sub-plot of what happened to David, told via telephone conversations by Frank's children in an effort to shield their father from the truth. Both about David, and what they believe their father will perceive as failures in their own lives. The film presents us with an inner struggle in Frank Goode, showing both his self-doubt as a successful father, and as a husband. Unfortunately this is slow and unable to be fully realized until late in the film. An inadequate amount of backstory hold back the viewer's ability to empathize with Frank. Overall, the film is hindered by too linear of a plot, and simple in-your-face themes, but solid acting by DeNiro makes the final scenes rewarding. While a second viewing of the film may conjure the emotional connection the director was aiming for, I can't imagine anyone watching it twice. Overall: Solid acting, good cinematography, lackluster plot, clichéd ending... VF-30
