The Kids Are All Right
Release Date:
July 9, 2010
Limited release
On the Big Board |
Position |
Staff |
In Brief |
39/190 |
Max Braden |
I really disliked Bening's character, but Moore provided plenty of entertainment in a perverse way. On this subject also see Mother and Child (again with Bening being unbearable). |
44/123 |
David Mumpower |
Overhyped, overrated, and ordinary to the core. Annette Bening's character actively alienates me, which undercuts excellent work by Mark Ruffalo. |
"Unconventional" families are finding more and more acceptance in pop culture and mainstream media. Full House, Two and a Half Men, Big Love and Gilmore Girls all feature(d) families that deviate from the "norm" of father, mother, and children. Modern Family's Mitchell and Cameron are possibly the cutest couple on television and fabulous, involved parents to adopted daughter Lily to boot.
The Kids Are All Right takes the "non-traditional" family notion and takes it to the next logical step. Jules (Julianne Moore) and Nic (Annette Bening) are a longtime couple and mothers to two children who they conceived by means of artificial insemination. Their kids, Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson) become determined to meet the donor who was their "father," and they contact the sperm bank to uncover his identity. Paul (Mark Ruffalo) becomes involved in all their lives, and complications (naturally) arise.
The co-writer/director of The Kids Are All Right has some indie cred, having previously helmed the Christian Bale/Kate Beckinsale/Frances McDormand starrer Laurel Canyon. Opinions were divided on that film, but the trailer for The Kids Are All Right has a spark to it that just cannot be denied. Ruffalo looks like he's having a blast, while Moore and Bening both look to offer stellar performances. Early reviews are very positive, and Focus Features just might have a potential breakout on their hands if it's marketed well. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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