Everything Must Go

In this low-key dramedy adapted from a Raymond Carver short story, Will Ferrell stars as Nick Halsey, an alcoholic sales exec who's not only fired from his job but also cast out by his (unseen) wife, who's changed the locks on their suburban Phoenix home and filed for divorce. After Nick discovers that his car has been repossessed, credit and debit cards invalidated, and all of his possessions have been dumped in front of the house, he takes up residence on the lawn, ordering take-out food and beer—drinking himself into oblivion. Under the guise of having a yard sale, Nick befriends lonely Kenny (Christopher Jordan Wallace), an overweight 14-year-old whose mother works in the neighborhood, and also Samantha (Rebecca Hall), a pregnant, very nervous new neighbor. In doing so—and with the help of his AA sponsor/policeman buddy Frank (Michael Peña)—Nick begins an odyssey of self-discovery and renewal, strengthened by an encounter with a former high school classmate (Laura Dern). Everything Must Go is an unflinching, if also meandering, cinematic portrait of self-destruction with a possibly hopeful glimmer of redemption. Playing it straight, Ferrell superbly captures Nick's despair and angst—no comedy here, just perceptive observations about human frailty, particularly involving alcoholism and recovery. Unfortunately, however, first-time writer-director Dan Rush doesn't know where and when to conclude his narrative, stretching it out unnecessarily. Still, this should be considered a strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Dan Rush and costar Michael Peña, deleted scenes (13 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (11 min.), an “In Character with Will Ferrell” featurette (9 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an uneven film.] (S. Granger)