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| Movie Review: The Kids are All Right Alternate Title: All in the Family
Story: I normally favor films
with more action than this gem from director Lisa Cholodenko
but hours after leaving the theater I was still thinking about this
quiet film. The movie revolves around a routine, unexceptional family
with two teenage kids, two cars and a nice house in the suburbs. The
only stand out exception to the norm is that there are two 'Moms' in
the house and both kids are from the same anonymous sperm donor. The
film takes the position that there is nothing exceptional about this
situation and so will you. The film was smartly written by Ms.
Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg. The spark in the film lights when the older teenager
tracks down the anonymous sperm donor and he enters the picture. How
this guy handles his new 'family' and how they handle this new 'family
member' is the heart and soul of the film. All five of the major characters
are fully formed, occasionally flawed and very real. The production values are first rate, the acting
is amazing and the story will move you in many directions. Take some
time out this summer and catch this fine film. Check out the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdDSqgZ87fM Acting: Kudos all around to a fabulous cast. Julianne
Moore as Jules has not been this good in years. Annette
Bening as Nic is one of the best actors around. She should
be getting more work. Mark Ruffalo as Paul is nothing
short of perfect. Mia Wasikowska as Joni and Josh
Hutcherson as Laser are both outstanding. Trivia: Julianne Moore is left-handed. Director
Lisa Cholodenko earned an MFA at Columbia University Film School
where she made an award winning short film "Dinner Party".
Her feature "High Art" won the National Society of Film Critics
award for Ally Sheedy's performance and The Waldo Salt Screenwriting
award at Sundance. Writer Stuart Blumberg attended
Yale University with Edward Norton and were once roommates. Australian
actor Mia Wasikowska beat out several other actresses for the lead in
Alice in Wonderland (2010).
Predilection: none
Critters: Surprisingly none
Food: Lots of 'local' organic food featured.
Sex Spectrum: Yes. Sex is a big component in the film.
Some quite funny.
Soundtrack: A terrific soundtrack featuring a lovely
scene using Joni Mitchell lyrics. Music by Carter Burwell;
Visual Art: This California suburb has all of the
amenities.
Theater Audience: Crowded for a 10 AM Saturday morning
showing.
Weather: Lovely.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I looked at my watch several times after
the first hour.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Hmm - there might be a nod here and
there.
Big Screen or Rental: Go for the big screen.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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