The Kids are All Right (R) 1hr 44min

Cast:
Annette Benning...Nic
Julianne Moore...Jules
Mark Ruffalo...Paul

Director:
Lisa Cholodenko


This film eliminates all of the bells and whistles that clog up our screens with special effects over substance and relies solely on acting and character interaction. My last review was for Inception and when you have a scale of great movies these two exist as polar opposites of each other. Inception give the audience grandeur and a spectacle that is rarely seen when it comes to special effects but lacks slightly in the quality of acting. This film, however, is almost as good but has is reliant 100% on the 5 main characters.

In this story we have a lesbian couple, Jules and Nic, who face the trials and tribulations of marriage when their childrens' sperm donor, Mark, enters into their lives. "The Kids", Joni and Laser seek out Mark because they are interested in meeting the person that donated his little guys to their "moms" to see who the man behind the scenes is, what he is like and if they are anything like him. He slowly wins his way into their lives, initially by charm alone, and then on merit. Of course then there is the climax which may rip the family apart (which I will not give away) and the ending which brings everything together.

Let me tell you why The Kids are All Right is the hidden gem of the year. The script is witty, laugh out loud funny at times and incredibly smart. Annette Benning, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo work together so harmoniously that their on screen chemistry is authentic, genuine, and something that most people (lesbian or not) can relate to. The movie hits a tone in the very beginning and never loses it throughout. The characters act as though nobody is watching them with their behind closed door crassness (you people know what I'm talking about) and language that only a married couple would dare say to each other. Wonderful wonderful movie and well worth it to see...strong A and definite recommendation.