**This is a film only review**

We watched this film recently as part of our LoveFilm subscription. I was drawn to it because Will Ferrell is in it, and thought it would be a reasonably lighthearted comedy. The film is directed by Dan Rush, and was first released in 2010.

**Plot**

The plot of the film revolves very heavily around the main character, Nick (Will Ferrell). He is a recovering alcoholic, and has a very bad day when he loses his job and gets home to discover his wife has also left him. He basically starts living on his own front lawn, with all his belongings having been turfed out by his wife, and the film follows the story of him trying to sell off some of his old junk, more for a new start than for the cash.

**The Acting**

I thought the film was very well acted. Although it is billed as a comedy, it's actually quite a serious and mildly depressing film, and I don't remember laughing much. It's quite nice to see Will Ferrell playing a serious role, and although I thought I'd find it hard to believe his character, he was very convincing.

The other characters weren't particularly significant in this film, as it revolved so heavily around Will Ferrell, but the characters worth noting are the child he befriends, Kenny, played by Christopher Jordan Wallace, and his new neighbour Samantha (Rebecca Hall). I thought Rebecca Hall's acting was good, but her character was a bit weak and unbelievable.

**Overall Thoughts**

I think this film is more about detail than plot. You know the Del Amitri song with the chorus "Nothing ever happens, nothing happens at all", well that should be the soundtrack to this film. After watching it, my partner and I looked at one another and were a bit bemused. Nothing of interest or significance actually happens in this film, you're basically watching a man living on his lawn for a few days.

The main character isn't particularly likeable, by that I mean I didn't dislike him or anything, but I didn't really feel sorry for him either. I think this is what made the film a bit pointless for me, as I wasn't overly bothered about the outcome.

The plot is very strangely written, with some odd encounters which amount to nothing and you're left wondering if the person who wrote the plot maybe gave up half way through and the script was taken over by someone else who didn't know where the story was heading. I wouldn't even say there are twists and turns in the storyline, just gaps and unfinished business.

That said, it's not an unenjoyable film. There are some good insights into the main character which ring true in terms of many peoples insecurities and fears. It's a film which is very easy to watch, and may get you thinking about your life and circumstances, but it's not one for action-lovers. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this film, but if you get chance to watch it for free, I wouldn't dismiss it either.

(This review is also published on Ciao under the username Gingerkitty)