"The Kids Are All Right" is nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay; Annette Bening for Best Actress; and Mark Ruffalo for Best Supporting Actor. It's a likable film about a lesbian couple, their teenage children and the kids sperm donor, Paul. The kids are curious about their biological dad and find Paul and bring him into the family's life. He sticks around and complicates things. Paul also forces Nic to open her eyes and really see her family. Paul forms relationships with most of the family members, except Nic. He becomes a source of dissension and other problems, especially for Nic and Jules. Although Mark Ruffalo is good in this role, it seems reminiscent of other roles he's played in the past. I guess he's just very good at being the average likable guy.
It's a comedy that plays a bit more like a dramedy. It's warm and funny with a bit of drama. "The Kids Are All Right" is one of those films that goes for average life realism with a bit of fun and plays out over a short period of time. For me, this film is all about the writing and the acting. It's kind of talky, but plays out well. This is one of those movies that should get a best ensemble nomination. Everyone plays off each other well and all are believable in their roles. It just too bad there's not an Oscar category for best ensemble, the academy really should add one.
Annette Bening is a bit of a hoot as the tightly wound Nic. She's a doctor who is a bit controlling and insensitive to her partner Jules, played very smoothly by the charismatic Julianne Moore. In fact, I enjoyed Julianne's scenes most. She basically steals half of the film. It's surprising that she wasn't nominated for best actress; because for me Julianne carries much of the film and made it more fun to watch. She's an actress who is equally good in comedy and drama.
Although I liked the movie, I'm not sure I would have chosen it for a best picture nod. It's good, it's not great. Compared to the very heavy "Winter's Bone" this is a pleasant romp.
Rating - 3 stars
It's a comedy that plays a bit more like a dramedy. It's warm and funny with a bit of drama. "The Kids Are All Right" is one of those films that goes for average life realism with a bit of fun and plays out over a short period of time. For me, this film is all about the writing and the acting. It's kind of talky, but plays out well. This is one of those movies that should get a best ensemble nomination. Everyone plays off each other well and all are believable in their roles. It just too bad there's not an Oscar category for best ensemble, the academy really should add one.
Annette Bening is a bit of a hoot as the tightly wound Nic. She's a doctor who is a bit controlling and insensitive to her partner Jules, played very smoothly by the charismatic Julianne Moore. In fact, I enjoyed Julianne's scenes most. She basically steals half of the film. It's surprising that she wasn't nominated for best actress; because for me Julianne carries much of the film and made it more fun to watch. She's an actress who is equally good in comedy and drama.
Although I liked the movie, I'm not sure I would have chosen it for a best picture nod. It's good, it's not great. Compared to the very heavy "Winter's Bone" this is a pleasant romp.
Rating - 3 stars
