Every once in a while you get an independent film that makes you realise that all you need is a good story, and actors who can tell it well. You don't need 3D, or a massive hollywood budget to have your viewers fall in love with your movie. I feel this way about movies such as Sophia Coppolla's "Lost in Translation" and 'Somewhere", Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", "The Royal Tenenbaums" and "The Darjeeling Limited", The Brothers Bloom, Laurel Canyon and City Island (I'll stop now cuz i'm sure you get the picture).
The Kids are All Right (directed by Lisa Cholodenko who also directed Laurel Canyon)tells the story of two children conceived by artificial insemination for a lesbian couple. They find their natural father, and introduce him into their family.
The lesbian couple are played by Annette Bening (Nic) and Julianne Moore (Jules). Both these women are incredibly good. I love Annette Bening, and Julianne Moore is definitely my favorite actress after Nicole Kidman (except that JM's face is more natural). Mark Ruffalo plays Paul the sperm donor, and the insertion of him into the family just wreaks a whole lot of chaos. I don't know why it is, but everyone loves Mark Ruffalo. I think he embodies that 'I am not a wanker but am super cool' persona that we all wish we could have... The kids Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson are really good too.
The introduction of Paul into the family brings out "the bodies" so to speak, and each family is confronted by what is uncovered. But this is a strong family, with a lot of love, and you know that it really will be all right!
This film is so strange, and so sincere and heartfelt, it was a pleasure to watch. Each character has their own issues, and yet are not judged. They are presented just as they are. I loved each character, particularly Jules and Paul - some funny scenes between these two.
This is a perfect Sunday afternoon film.
3.5/5
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I loved this, just felt the Ruffalo character was shortchanged. It seemed the two definitely felt something strong for each other, as it was not just a one-off affair. I felt the Juliane Moore character really compromised this passion for the sake of her wonderful family and there were unresolved issues at the end (the Annette Benning character was really stifling for the rest of her family, she did such a good job at playing this character that she provoked tension as soon as she would even open her mouth). I was stunned that Annette Benning, who has always played the beautiful leading lady, could have done such a good job in this film. All-up it was one of the most pleasing films I've seen in a long time... I just loved them all... the little daughter, Julianne Moore and the too-gorgeous Ruffalo (definitely hot enough to make anyone change sexual preferences).
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