Dan Rush/USA 2010/96 min

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Will Ferrell slips effortlessly from broad comedy into low-budget indie drama in debut filmmaker Dan Rush’s adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short story, which deals with the old theme of taking responsibility for your actions. Ferrell plays recovering alcoholic Nick, who loses both his wife and job thanks to a binge that saw him have an affair on a business trip. When he comes home to find his belongings strewn across the lawn, Nick camps out and sets up a yard sale to cleanse his past foibles, finding a kindred spirit in new neighbour Samantha (Rebecca Hall).

It’s hardly original or surprising stuff, but Ferrell proves himself a satisfying low-key dramatic actor in this rendition of an old redemptive tale told with endearing simplicity and a good amount of charm. It also manages to hit on the atomization of suburban America, since it’s only when Nick is forced to live out front on his lawn that he’s able to connect with others and face up to his own part in his downfall.