EVERYBODY'S FINE *½

Kirk Jones wrote and directed this Drama starring: Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell. Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language. Running time is one hour and forty minutes.

A widower (DeNiro) embarks on an impromptu road trip to reconnect with each of his grown children (Barrymore, Beckinsale, Rockwell) only to discover their lives are far from perfect.

This is a first rate cast trapped in a Hallmark Hall Of Fame quality movie. It's something you'd probably enjoy watching for free at home but might resent paying for at a theatre, especially since the theatre experience adds nothing to the film. On top of that, it's mostly a downer and not likely to thrust you into the Christmas spirit. On the positive side, the length is about right and the ending is a little more upbeat. About the only people who will be pleased with this effort are the four cast leads who can take their no doubt substantial checks and buy some really nice gifts for their families and friends. There are better pictures coming...wait for them.