John says:
In a year marked by few cinematic marvels (Inception, Toy Story 3), The Kids Are All Right is a breath of fresh air. A story overflowing with originality and wit, the movie contains some of the the funniest and moving scenes of the year so far.
The story is basic enough: a lesbian couple (Annette Bening and Julianne Moore) raising their 2 teenagers are suddenly thrust into an unforeseeable situation - that their children have contacted and met with the man (Mark Ruffalo) who donated his sperm so many years ago.
The situation provides the basis for many hilarious and undoubtedly awkward moments, but underneath it all there is a story of a couple going through a change. Both Annette Bening and Julianne Moore give award-worthy performances. They simultaneously manage to balance witty dialogue and humorous moments with great emotion and concentration. Annette Bening manages to steal the show, though. Like her masterful performance in American Beauty, Bening takes on the difficult role of playing a sexually-frustrated and overbearing wife. Her final scenes are easily the best acting I've seen all year and both her and Moore should be considered heavyweights in the upcoming Awards season.
Overall this is a fascinating study of a 21st Century family, balancing drama with humor flawlessly. At times it may take certain liberties, but it is definitely a movie not to miss!
Maureen says:
A fresh look at an unconventional modern-day family, filled with humor and twists with every new scene. One cannot help being reminded of similar dysfunctional family dramas such as American Beauty; and although this is not quite on the same level as Beauty, it is a satisfying and thought-provoking experience nonetheless.
The filmmaking and cinematography are nothing to write home about (although, that's to be expected from an independent film), but the acting is spectacular. Annete Bening is outstanding as a disciplinarian lesbian mother - after the movie, I literally had to look up whether or not she was straight in real life! (She is, by the way, making her performance all the more impressive.) Mark Ruffalo and Julianne Moore are also excellent as usual. The hilarity and awkwardness of each new situation is wonderfully entertaining, and in contrast, the pain and heartbreak is tangible, particularly from Bening. She will certainly be recognized with a nomination for her work, and quite possibly a (well-deserved) win.
The story itself is wonderfully witty and watchable to say the least. Only slightly predictable, with unique twists and of course hilarity at every turn. Really, there's something for everyone. One of the best movies of the year, without question. Hopefully it will be recognized as such during awards season.
(Awards potential: Best Picture, Best Actress (Moore & Bening), Best Supporting Actor (Ruffalo), Best Original Screenplay)
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