The Kids Are All Right

2010
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Wick's Review

Created Aug 09, 2010 08:10PM PST • Edited Jan 16, 2015 03:08PM PST

  1. Quality
  2. Summary
    Good 3.0

    Amusing albeit self-absorbed, this lesbian-family-values comedy succeeds by putting humor ahead of politics, thus creating a modestly enjoyable movie for people of all persuasions. The story of teenage kids connecting with their biological father – much to the consternation of their lesbian Moms – has classic elements of family dynamics, marital foibles and confused identities. Brought to life by an accomplished cast that includes Annette Bening and Mark Ruffalo, it hits a few potholes along the way, but generates plenty of character depth and several well-earned laughs.

  4. Acting
    Very Good 3.5

    Mark Ruffalo almost stole the movie, just as his character almost stole one of the Moms. The guy can play such a wide range of roles, here displaying a disarmingly scruffy charm.

    Annette Bening and Julianne Moore each get to play dramatic high points, with Bening proving yet again that she’s one of the superior actresses working today.

    Of the two kids, Mia Wasikowska proved herself a subtle and strong actress.

    Yaya DaCosta spices up the proceedings as a restaurant hostess with a thing for the boss.

  5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5
  6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5
  7. Female Costars Good 3.0
  8. Male Costars Good 3.0
  10. Film
    Good 3.0

    Writer-director Lisa Cholodenko is such an LA creature: born, bred and steeped. Not surprisingly, her characters come across as spectacularly self-absorbed, speaking in a psychotherapy-mystical patois that probably sounds normal in Santa Monica and the Hollywood Hills, but comes across as somewhat ridiculous to more grounded viewers.

  11. Direction OK 2.5
  12. Play Very Good 3.5

    “Shut the front door!” instead of “Shut the f*** up!” – A terrific contribution to family friendly cursing.

  13. Music Very Good 3.5
  14. Visuals Good 3.0
  15. Content
  16. Edge
    Risqué 2.1

    Several vivid – albeit not entirely explicit – hetero sex scenes outscore the single, rather chaste, gay sex scene. Is that a sign?

  17. Sex Erotic 2.6
  18. Violence Gentle 1.0
  19. Rudeness Profane 2.6
  21. Reality
    Glib 1.2
  22. Circumstantial Glib 1.6
  23. Biological Natural 1.0
  24. Physical Natural 1.0

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Mar 25, 2011 10:39AM
BigdaddyDave

I agree Wick. I was debating with a friend yesterday if the movie would have recieved the same attention if it did not feature two moms. What would have happened if the premise involved a straight couple? Interesting thought.
Mar 25, 2011 8:41AM
Wick

Regarding BigdaddyDave’s Review
Accurate review BigD, mostly in-line if a bit tougher than mine. The fact that this movie was nominated for Best Picture and Best Screenplay Oscars says more about Hollywood politics than it does about the quality of the movie.