Friday, October 15, 2010

The Kids Are All Right: Movie Review


Comedy was great, drama slowed things down a bit, but still a well done film.

Lesbian mothers, one a hippie chick (Julianne Moore) the other more of an alpha male (Annette Bening) have raised two kids, Joni and Laser. "The Kids Are All Right" begins with the teenage kids contacting their sperm donor biological father (Mark Ruffalo). We follow the interactions between all of the characters.   2010

Directed by: Lisa Cholodenko

Screenplay by: Lisa Cholodenko, Stuart Blumberg

Starring: Annette Bening and Julianne Moore

The film surprisingly adds a fair amount of humour to the whole situation. Ruffalo was hilarious with his uncomfortable movements and awkward comments. The kids (Mia Wasikoswka and Josh Hutcherson) had great chemistry with each other with their sideways glances. The mothers came across as much more clichéd characters, but at least Bening added more humour with her interrogation of Ruffalo.

The film falters a bit when it uses only drama and no comedy as we watch all the relationships fall apart and then rebuild themselves. But "The Kids Are All Right" is a well done film with great performances. Although it's early in the season, my vote goes to Mark Ruffalo for Best Supporting Actor. I knew what he was feeling and thinking as his character developed throughout the film and he pretty much did all of that with comedy.
Best of 2010