'The Kids Are All Right' shows the American family in a new light

“The Kids Are All Right”
Directed by: Lisa Cholodenko
Starring: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson
Rated: R

Writer/director Lisa Cholodenko's latest film is an unflinching look at an American family. The parents are fairly well off, Nic is a doctor, and Jules is embarking on a new business venture, opening a landscaping company.

Their oldest kid, Joni, has just turned 18 and is spending her last summer at home before moving away to college. Their son, Laser, is at the awkward age of 15 and may be making some questionable choices in his circle of friends.

Midlife crisis is in the air and manifests itself in a number of ways.

It's a compelling, well written story.

Jules is played by Julianne Moore and Nic is played by Annette Bening. They are a gay couple raising kids who share the same (as yet unknown) sperm donor dad. Nic carried Joni and a few years later Jules carried Laser.

It's established early on that while there may be (the usual) problems surrounding the family interactions, the general feel is one of love.

Cholodenko and co-writer Stuart Boyer have given much thought to their screenplay. In less skilled hands (and with a less talented cast) “The Kids Are All Right” could have easily been rendered as a groan inducing Hollywood stereotype complete with manipulative melancholia and veiled sermonizing.

But there is not a hint of that here. The family seems very normal and completely real, which makes the story all the more powerful.

As the now 18-year-old Joni (Mia Wasikowska) settles into her last summer at home, Laser (Josh Hutcherson) tries to persuade her to call the clinic their moms used to facilitate their pregnancies and inquire about the identity of their father.

At first the girl resists but finally curiosity gets the better of her as well.

Both of these teenagers love their moms but if you can remember being a teenager, you'll remember that there always comes a time when kids become somewhat alienated from their parents and begin searching for more in life.

In this case, Nic is somewhat of a perfectionist and tends to ride Joni on the hard side. Jules is more offbeat, maybe a bit flaky, and has an undercurrent of emotional wanderlust.

Young Laser has taken up with a bad influence of a kid who makes a lot of dumb choices. It seems as if Laser is looking for a male role model; this may be what has been tugging at him to seek out his biological father.

Joni finally gives in and a meeting is arranged with their dad, played by Mark Ruffalo. We've already met Paul and know he owns a restaurant and operates a local organic vegetable garden. He's a free spirit; very charming with a hint of danger.

After an initial meeting (which they have kept secret from the moms) Joni and Laser invite Paul over for dinner. His response is, “Great! I love lesbians!” It's actually a funny moment.

The kids break the news and the family prepares for the big meal. Jules is fine with Paul, but Nic is rather condescending about his lack of formal education and working class values. She's also very territorial and thinks Paul may be trying to steal her family.

Nonetheless, a friendship ensues. Both kids begin hanging out with their dad, helping in the garden, shooting hoops - the usual dad/kid stuff.

Jules also gets involved. Paul's backyard is a mess; he needs landscaping work done. Jules is looking for her first client. It's a perfect fit.

As all of this unfolds, Nic gets more and more concerned and upset.

It wouldn't be fair to give many more details here. While you may think you know what happens next, you may be only partly correct.

I will say that there is a scene of the family having dinner at Paul's place that is as emotionally affecting (and effective) as any committed to film.

Bening is a master of subtle facial expressions and Moore has a gift for comedic timing. Both women are somewhat out of the Hollywood norm. While certainly not elderly - Bening is 52, Moore soon to be 50 - they work in an industry where 35 is considered old in some circles. Neither actress has gone the vanity route of plastic surgery, heavy makeup or boy-toy lovers. They are both natural beauties.

They are also gifted actresses and make a believable couple in “The Kids Are All Right,” and young Ms. Wasikowska holds her own with her moms.

Ruffalo works his usual charms, and Hutcherson is 18 but does 15 very well.

While the general premise of a gay couple may upset some folks (and there are also a few mild sex scenes and brief nudity), “The Kids Are All Right” is in turns funny, intense, melancholy, heart tugging and heart warming. It never seems forced. The dialog is perfectly written and delivered. Parents/couples everywhere - gay or straight - will identify with many of the trials and tribulations of holding a family together.[[In-content Ad]]