The Kids Are Alright: Or Are They?

When I heard the title of this movie, without having heard ANYTHING about the film, the title and my brain put two and two together and I thought this was a horror or suspense film. Wrong, y'all. It's about some lesbians and their sperm donor and some kids. That's what's up with this movie and I have a lot to say about it.

Let's talk plot first, ok? Ok! This story takes place in current, California time. Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore) are married lesbians. They've been together for quite some time, and have two children. From the same dad, but of course, different moms. A desperate for cash Paul (Mark Ruffalo) donated his sperm back in the day. And, since we all know what Mark Ruffalo looks like, then of course they chose his DNA to make some babies. Their family seems to appear very solid and normal and affluent. (Sidenote*I loved the decor in this set house so much. Sooo much. I can't find the set designers name anywhere, but if you're reading this Mr./Ms. Set Designer from The Kids Are Alright (and why wouldn't you be reading this) then props to you!)

Trouble starts brewing when Joni (Mia Wasikowska), who is the daughter of Nic,  is persuaded by her younger, half brother Laser (Josh Hutcherson) who is the son of Jules, to seek out their biological father. Joni and Laser meet Paul,  at yet another well decorated, organic restaurant he owns. Things go well. And body language and nods lead us to believe they will probably meet again.  When Nic and Jules get wind of this meeting, they, naturally, freak out. And rightfully so. But they learn it's easier to include cute Mark Ruffalo in some family gatherings and projects, rather than push him away.

This is where I became rather disappointed with the film. I actually watched this movie at home with a few people, and relatively early into the movie, I sent them both an email of my prediction of the ending. I nailed it. To me, this movie was super predictable from the beginning, and the ending left you upset. Not in a suspensful/horror/thriller kinda way, (all the more reason I think this title movie should have been scary), but in a is-that-all-they-are-going-to-leave-us-with? kinda way. In my humble, totally unqualified opinion, this movie was nominated for Best Picture for two reasons only: The cast, and The Academy thought it was better to put this movie in the 10th slot over The Town (let's not get me started on The Town again, y'all.) Annette Bening and Julianne Moore have always been two favorites of mine. Different roles for them, for sure, but whatever. They did a great job. They always do. And, high five to Mark Ruffalo. He always gets stuck playing sorta cute, sorta romantic, sorta pathetic roles in tons of half-baked romantic comedies. So I was thrilled to see him actually act a little this time, and, of course, he's real easy on the eyes.

As far as nominations go, again, I just feel like The Academy has made themselves lazy by creating the 10 Best Picture category last year. And that's how this film ended up in the Best Picture category. Why can't we just ask more of film makers? Why can't there be 5 really good films? All the rest can receive nods in other areas, but when it comes down to it, if your film doesn't have the chops, it doesn't make the cut? (All this comes from someone who has never made a film, I know...) It's worth the rental if you're trying to cross off all the nominations for Best Picture. And if you think Mark Ruffallo is hot. Other than that, you could probably skip on it. Unless of course, your only other option is The Town.

I met Nick Scott in August of 2009 when he started taking classes at the Dallas Comedy House. Since then, we've taught a lot of improv classes together, performed in a lot of shows together, and become great friends. Nick is always very current on film, probably more so than any other form of entertainment (though I would also argue he knows A LOT about Broadway Musicals).  He also just started a new podcast with our friend, Clifton Hall. (Click here to listen to it!) If you'd like to hear what Nick has to say about non-movie stuff, follow him on Twitter!

 NICK SCOTT'S TWO CENTS:

The movie itself, just like the kids in The Kids Are Alright, is just alright.  After watching, I am at a loss as to what makes writer/director Lisa Cholodenko’s movie about two lesbians’ relatively normal family so special.  Sure it’s enjoyable enough, but is it one of the best movies of 2010? No.  Some of the hubub has been centered around the cast, and rightfully so.  They elevate the movie above the average screenplay.

    When I say cast, I mean Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo.  Despite being the titular “kids,” Josh Hutcherson and Mia Wasikowska (More like Mia What’s-deal-with-my-crazy-last-name, am I right guys?) aren’t given much to do.  Annette Bening is very good as the uptight, control freak mother and leader of the family.  Benning is very good at playing uptight control freaks (see: American Beauty), but the difference here is that she plays it with warmth rather than with coldness.  I also have to give credit to Mark Ruffalo, who makes his organic restaurant owning sperm donor so likeable that even after he literally and figuratively screws the family up, you still want things to work out for him.
    In the end I think that a lot of the support for this movie is political, due to the fact it features a same sex marriage led family that really isn’t any different than most different sex marriage led families (That’s right middle America, they’re just like you!).  In fact, the idea that the family’s situation is any kind of controversial is completely absent from the movie.  Because of this, the focus is on the marital problems of two people, rather than two lesbian people.
    All of this is shot California bright and sunny, with plenty of vegetables, giving the viewer the sense that even though the family is having problems, it’s okay, because everything is organic and they drive a Prius!