DVDpendence . videophile
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
With Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson, Yaya DaCosta
Written by Lisa Cholodenko, Stuart Blumberg
Directed by Lisa Cholodenko
This award-winning indie movie (incl. Golden Globe Best Picture) has a lesbian couple's kids (Joni and Laser) tracking down their sperm donor biological father (Paul). With the two moms (Nic and Jules) on a bit of a rocky road in their relationship and their son displaying possible troubled tendencies, this unexpected intrusion into their world stirs things up even more, with an added complication as a result of Paul's presence adding cracks. While concerned for their kids, they try to be open about this new dynamic, but this is not easy for Nic (a medical practitioner) whose sense of control is shaken up. Jules is the more scattered of the two, never finding her feet, but adamant to start up a landscaping company. A laid back restaurant owner, Paul really gets along with the kids, but is more like a friend. The very well defined perspectives from all the adults and kids in the bodies of very competent actors give life to the human (and often funny) screenplay.
This fascinating look at the mechanics of a modern American family type not many are familiar with, hopefully will further the debate that gay couples are regular people in relationship with love, intimacy, social and economic issues, personal interactions and problems, and lead a basically normal family scenario like any other. With gay marriage still an issue in this day and age, I find it offensive as a straight person that those in government (usually from a religious perspective) believe only straight people are capable of being in love and raising a family (as if marriage between a man and woman has proven itself to be such a perfect institution).
This DVD release includes several making-of aspects, as well as further exploration of the movie with a commentary track by director / co-writer Lisa Cholodenko.
5 / B
- Paul Blom
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