It looks like Robert De Niro is back as a Dad in the remake Everybody’s Fine. We get wind of this project thanks to the professionals at Variety:
Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell are set to star in the Kirk Jones-directed “Everybody’s Fine.” Miramax Films acquired worldwide rights on the film that will begin shooting in Connecticut later this month.
The remake of the Giuseppe Tornatore film “Stanno tutti bene” was written by Jones. He came aboard when the redo was first set up by Hollywood Gang Prods. and Cecchi Gori USA (Daily Variety, March 16, 2006). De Niro will play a widower who realizes that his deceased wife was his only connection to his children. He decides on a whim to take a road trip to reconnect with each of his grown kids, discovering that their lives are far from perfect.
This film reminds me of About Schmidt. I am sure the two films will have their differences, but an older man having an illumination late in life that causes him to reconnect with his children certainly rings true with both. Films like this serve as a reminder to young and old that it is never too late to change your gameplan.
De Niro was hilarious as a father figure in Meet the Parents, and I look forward to more of this excellence. I am curious to know some details about the original Italian film. If any of you have had the chance to check it out – please fill us in on the details.