Everything Must Go: Rental Pick of the Week

Everything Must Go: Trailer on IMDB
So perhaps you've already seen Will Ferrell in Everything Must Go, but based on the film's limited release and  low box office revenue, I'm guessing there's good chance you haven't. Which is a shame, and that's why it's my Netflix On-Demand "Pick of the Week".

In the film Will Ferrell takes a departure from his usual over the top comedy style, to give a more muted performance of a man who is on his way down and once he hits bottom, he has no where to go but up, as they say--and he does go "up". However, this is not one of those sweeping, inspirational dramas that leaves you full of hope for humankind and makes you believe in the ultimate decency of our society. Instead, it is a more realistic view of how people cope with their mistakes and try to make things right with the people around them, even if their methods are flawed.

In a single day, Nick Hasley (Will Ferrell) loses his job (for reasons revealed in detail later in the film) and his wife not only leaves and locks him out of their house, she puts all of his belongings on their front lawn. This presents a bit of a problem, especially when he is unable to reach her. Nick, a lapsed alcoholic, eventually sets up camp on the lawn and devises a plan: he'll have a yard sale. He befriends a boy in his neighborhood (as well as a new neighbor-Samantha- who becomes a sounding board for Nick), and together they go about selling Nick's belongings.

Ultimately, Nick's yard sale and ridding himself of material things he never even needed in the first place, isn't ultimately about getting rid of "stuff", but about ridding himself of his past life, coming to realize his mistakes, and his desire to start fresh. This is a great premise, as I imagine this is a desire for many Americans, as we all seem to have too many "things" weighing us down...whether it's that pair of ice skates you never use, or the reason behind why you hold onto them, and so many other things. In this way, the audience can relate to Nick and his personal struggles, if not inner-demons. First time director/screenwriter Dan Rush uses Will Ferrell's ability to say lines with sardonic wit to create a character that is both incredibly flawed, and likable because of his ultimate vulnerability.

The story and characters are well developed, and multi-layered, and excellently acted. The film may not be for everyone, certainly, but it is a great story about someone doing the best they can with what they have, despite their shortcomings.

And isn't that what life is really all about?

So check out Everything Must Go--you might just be inspired to let some things go, as well.