Everybody's Fine (2009)

Director: Kirk Jones

Cast: Robert De Niro as Frank Goode, Drew Barrymore as Rosie, Kate Beckinsale as Amy, Sam Rockwell as Robert, Lucian Maisel as Jack, Damian Young as Jeff, James Frain as Tom, Melissa Leo as Colleen, Katherine Moennig as Jilly, Brendan Sexton III as Mugger, James Murtaugh as Dr. Ed, Austin Lysy as David, Chandler Frantz as Young David, Lily Mo Sheen as Young Amy (as Lily Sheen), Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick as Young Robert

Greetings again from the darkness. Writer/director Kirk Jones just
needs to work a little more frequently. His first two projects were the
fascinating Waking Ned Devine and the deeper than expected Nanny
McPhee. The guy has some real talent and unique insight. He is also
wise enough to cast Robert Deniro and then bring out his best
performance in years.

Sure, there are some similarities to Nicholson's wonderful turn in
About Schmidt, but contrary to the trailers, this one is no
light-hearted holiday fluff. There are deep emotions and more real-life
family baggage than most will care to admit (translated, there were
quite a few sniffles in the theatre).

Deniro's kids are scattered about leading their own lives after a
childhood of pressure, demands and expectations. The differences in how
each have handled it is very interesting. Drew Barrymore wants very
much to be the daddy's girl, while Kate Beckinsale is the corporate
type-A who just can't manage her family. The always excellent Sam
Rockwell is the music prodigy enjoying his stress-free live as a
symphonic percussionist (instead of a conductor). The youngest is a
troubling story line that ends up tying everything together for the
Deniro character, as well as the family.

Aside from the mostly atrocious music, this one is an emotional
tug-fest that will stimulate a bit of self-analysis from all parents.