The Kids Are All Right

The Kids Are All Right (2010)
Directed by Lisa Cholodenko
Length: 106 minutes
Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, language, and some teen alcohol and drug use




As 2010 continues onward, we are quickly approaching Oscar season - aka the time of the year movies get vastly better. Generating intense buzz amongst the critics for its modern take on the family, The Kids Are All Right is the story of a middle age couple struggling to maintain the romance while raising two teenage kids. The twist? The couple are lesbians with sperm donor children who want to meet their donor daddy.

Annette Bening (State of the Union, Hemingway & Fuentes) as the perfectionist wino Nic and Julianne Moore (Elektra Luxx; Crazy, Stupid, Love) as the free-spirit Jules are amazing in their roles as a struggling couple. Both really convey the different natures of their characters while still allowing you to sympathize with their flaws. And I think both actresses and screenplay writer should be commended for making this a movie about a family and its struggles and not focusing on the gay couple pitfall. Sure there are plenty of tongue-in-cheek jokes about the two, but the film really does an incredible job of showing how relationships and families with gay couples are no different than straight couples except for anatomically.

Equally impressive are the performances of the children, next best thing Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre) as Joni and her brother Laser played by Josh Hutcherson (Red Dawn, Carmel). Earlier this year, Wasikowska epically failed as Alice in Tim Burton's rendition of Alice in Wonderland, but she has certainly redeemed herself this time. As a teenager preparing for college and struggling with becoming an adult, Wasikowska nails the emotional range needed for the role. One scene in particular sums up her performance as her lip quivers as she realizes she is finally on her on...good stuff. As the 100% straight and male-thinking member of the family, Hutcherson's Laser shines. Searching for a male influence and an understanding of who he is, Hutcherson has some of the best dead-pan deliveries in the movie as well as portraying the pure teenage male moodiness.

Perhaps the most conflicting part of the movie arises from Mark Ruffalo (Date Night, The Avengers) as sperm donating, biological father Paul. Ruffalo is the restaurant owning, organic vegetable raising, motorcycle riding cool guy, who really wants a family more than anything. While Paul is certainly charming, the film seems conflicted over whether we should hate Paul for his actions or compassionate for his endeavors. Without revealing too much, this is probably the weakest component of the film. Ruffalo certainly delivers on his part, but the screenplay seems confused over how we should react to Paul and his desire to be part of the family.

Without a doubt, The Kids Are All Right masterfully blend the more dramatic elements with several great laughs. The performances are amazing and really shift the focus on the family and away from the type of parents that may deter some viewers. This may not be Brokeback Mountain in terms of making the more conservative squirm; but like Ang Lee's "gay movie standard," the audience sees beyond the couple for their sexual preferences and embraces the story. I found myself on the verge of tears near the end of the movie, as my own fears of failure in relationships manifested itself onscreen. Truly, this is a solid film accessible to even the most average film watcher that should generate some serious buzz come Oscar time.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Nic: "I need your input like I need a dick in my ass!"

Oscar Nominations:
Best Motion Picture
Best Supporting Actor - Mark Ruffalo
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Annette Bening
Best Original Screenplay