'The Kids Are All Right' Review

For my first review I feel the best place to start is with the last film that I saw in the cinema, 'The Kids Are All Right'. This is a film following the lives of two lesbian life partners Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore). The film looks at the strain which has been put upon the couple's relationship through raising their two children Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson). The main focus of the story is upon the two siblings decision to meet their sperm donor father Paul (Mark Ruffalo) and the further strain his introduction puts upon the family.

The film is filled with utterly convincing and relatable performances, particularly from the two female leads Bening and Moore. The two characters are very different but always feel like a very believable couple. Bening plays Nic superbly, giving the character a very balanced portrayal, showing the different sides to her personality very clearly. Nic is a character who likes to feel like she is always in control of the situations she finds herself in, but tends to be relying too heavily on wine to see her through the more trying times. Bening plays a very convincing mother and a very believable partner to Moore's character, particularly because she radiates a genuine caring nature towards Jules. Moore particularly shines in the role of Jules showing  a carefree exterior to the character but also playing the emotional core of her with a great deal of heart and warmth. Nic and Jules are always relatable and we can always understand the reasoning behind the decisions they make, even when we know what they are doing is wrong, this is down to a very well written script and two stellar performances. Together these two characters play against each other very well, creating a touching and well observed portrayal of married life through the ups and downs, but also teaming up to be a hysterically funny double act providing some wickedly funny moments within the film.  Particularly funny moments arise surrounding the couple's choice of adult video, the farcical nature of these scenes had me laughing very hard.

Ruffalo also delivers a particularly strong performance as Paul creating both a character who is easy to identify with but one we are not sure how to ultimately feel towards. Paul creates numerous uncomfortable scenes within the film but Ruffalo never loses touch with the humorous nature of these moments and allows us to laugh whilst at the same time cringing to ourselves behind our popcorn buckets. Wasikowska and Hutcherson also deliver very strong performances as the curious children. Wasikowska proves herself as a solid young actress in this film delivering a performance showing the frustrations of having restrictive parents and an interest in a male friend who doesn't clearly show if he returns these feeling or not.

I went into this film with very high expectations, but these expectations were met as the film delivered on every level. It was hilariously funny, poignant and very touching. Julianne Moore and Annette Bening have good chances of at least gaining some nominations during 2011's awards season as their performances are both tremendously delivered. I thought this movie was excellent and the run time seemed to fly past as I enjoyed every moment.

Verdict:
5 Stars