Yes this was released in 2010, but I only saw it recently and given its win at the Golden Globes, and Oscar nominations, I thought it was pertinent to comment on it; plus it’s my website and I’ll blog what I want…
The Kids Are All Right centres on lesbian couple Nic and Jules (Annette Bening & Julianne Moore respectively) who have managed to raise two kids and who, despite having 2 mums, turned out all right (Surprise!). All is going swimmingly until the kids decide they want to meet their sperm donor dad, easy going Paul (Mark Ruffalo), without telling their mums. Inevitably the truth comes out and soon the whole ‘family’ are dining together. But things get complicated as Jules finds herself drawn to Paul putting her relationship and the happiness of her family in jeopardy. Will everything turn out…wait for it…alright?
The Kid Are All Right feels like an episode of an above average TV drama on the big screen, with the added bonus of an A-list cast. And aside from the cast I don’t know why this film is getting all the critical praise it has been getting as the story of extra marital affairs is hardly new, and I wouldn’t be surprised of the novelty of having Moore and Bening play lesbians isn’t the real reason for the praise; OMG its so daring!
That said their relationship feels very real and believable, which makes the fallout of Jules’ betrayal wrenching. Bening is great in the dinner scene (you know the one) and Moore plays Jules confliction over her attraction to Paul well. Mark Ruffalo is great as sperm donor Paul, walking a fine line between nice guy and slightly untrustworthy lout. And Aussie actress Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson as the kids are great even if they are given very little to do.
According to the Golden Globes Kids is a comedy, and while it is amusing, given the subject matter I don’t know why it wasn’t classified as a drama (probably because it wouldn’t have a chance against The Social Network). Its win is almost as confusing as Benings win for best actress (and her Oscar nod), yes she is good, but Julianne Moore is clearly the standout as the very torn Jules. But then I guess the Golden Globe nominations hardly ever make sense, why should the actual winners be any different? Not that the Oscars ignoring Moore again are much better…
All in all The Kids Are All Right is a solid, entertaining but ultimately forgettable. Honestly? A resounding Meh.
2 ½ of 5 Stars
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