Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore) are a lesbian couple raising two teenagers, Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hucherson). Both Joni and Laser are curious on who their father is, so after a little research they find their father: Paul (Mark Ruffalo). Joni, Laser and Jules welcome Paul into the family, but Nic is uncomfortable with the new addition.
Shortly after I finished watching The Kids Are All Right, I got into a discussion with a few people. One of them didn't like it at all, saying it was "anti-male". A comment like that intrigued me. But after thinking it over, a few scenes were. But ultimately, I told him it's because The Kids Are All Right was more aimed at women.
I really admire the performances from Bening, Moore and Ruffalo. Could this be their ticket to an Oscar? A nomination perhaps, but I doubt a win. The dialogue is smart and funny, and the plot is light and sweet. But as the movie was coming to an end, there were some bittersweet moments. Still, The Kids Are All Right is one of the year's best movies.
My Rating: ****1/2
This is the second such comment I've read about the film being anti-male. What did your friend use to back up his/her argument?
ReplyDeleteI liked the film, but didn't love it when I left the theater. As time has passed it has grown on me. Some of the more subtle things began to sink in. My main complaint was that I felt like it emphasized sex too much. Moore seems to continually play the same character, but she does it well. Bening is always great, and I feel like she doesn't get the credit that she deserves. Ruffalo is also always great, however I feel like he still hasn't put out a performance that absolutely blows me away. I really like Wasikowska. I think she is a budding star in the making. I can't wait to see her in Gus Van Sant's upcoming film, Restless. Overall, I feel like the film is probably one of the better films of the year. It brings something new to the table, and hits the emotions in all the right places.
ReplyDeletei really really hope Julianne Moore gets nominated for this (even though this is a signature performance for her--but still works). i know the hype is surrounded Bening whoc was also good but Moore is so long overdue. I really enjoyed this story.
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