This is a story about an unconventional family. A story about two children who have been raised in an unconventional environment. The movie is called "The Kids Are Alright" and let me tell you they are, but the parents surely are not. This is a family story with a difference. The difference being that the two children have been brought up by their parents who happen to be lesbians (ooo shocking) I just finished seeing this film and all I can say is I was very impressed indeed. No blowing up of cars, no stupid gags, no under developed characters, just a character driven piece that uses all the actors to their full talent to produce a smart movie about families in the noughties. Let me begin.
The story follows a family unit headed by the strong Nic (Annette Benning) and her wife (yes they are married take that supreme court) Jules (Julianne Moore) who have two children Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson). Both parents have had a child each. Laser was conceived by Jules, while Joni was delivered by Nic. But how do two women have a baby? Hello, the only way they could was by both being artificially inseminated. And here is where the movie goes into a different territory than a conventional family. Nic and Jules are having problems in their relationship like every couple usually do when they have been together for over 20 years. They fight, they both have different personalities that seem to be clashing. Nic who is a doctor is a perfectionist on every level, while Jules is more the spiritual type who is trying to start up her landscape architect business. While they are involved in their children's life, there is one part they are not seeing. The kids behind their back have decided to seek out their donor to find out who really is their father. And here is where the movie hits its stride. Enter Mark Ruffalo as Paul who the children both want to start being involved with their family life. As I said this is not a conventional family story and to me it was definitely a breath of fresh air.
The movie is brought to life by the excellent direction of Lisa Cholodenko who produced the impressive "Laurel Canyon" (rent it, its a great film), who also wrote the screenplay. She lets her actors express her words well, and let them interpret and express how a new breed of families may have to face in the future. Straight or gay, without one half of the parental unit, a child will always want to discover what is missing and to understand the part they feel may be important to their development.
Let me talk about the acting. Everyone in this movie is terrific, and I must mention Annette Benning. This is one talented lady who has chosen some great films in her career. From American Beauty (which she should have won the Oscar, you hear me Mr Academy Man) to the American President to Bugsy to Postcards From The Edge, Annette delivers and never can be stereotyped. She brings a hard edge to Nic who in many ways is like a lioness protecting her family from a new member who she feels wants to destroy her family that she has built and does not want an outsider ruining this. Julianne Moore is the perfect balance for Bennings' character as we understand her insecurities and the way their relationship works due to the fact they look and act like a real couple. The children are exceptional. Josh and Mia are two young actors who handled the material well and showed what it is like for two children with two momz. There is no obvious jokes. There is just a great character driven piece. Mark Ruffalo is great as Paul. He embodies everything about his character and creates a comedic element as well as a key component to bring to the surface the problems that this family may be hiding underneath.
This movie has reveived a lot of attention in many film festivals and I can see why. It embodies a great character driven piece that takes the viewer on ride inside a same sex couple's family. To me, it is a lot more interesting than seeing the same "normal" (and I use that term loosely) family unit. It gets boring seeing the same story over and over, but this movie proves as well that same sex families definitely deal with the same issues as many heterosexual families. This movie is not a political statement and the director does not shove this factor down your throat. What she does show is that a family unit in today's day and age is completely different from 50 years ago. But an element still flows through. With loving support a family can deal with any situation that may arise. The Kids Are Alright, they surely are and this movie proves just that. 8/10
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