Chichester Cinema at New Park
The Kids Are All Right
The most talked-about movie at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival combines comedic surprise with poignant emotional truth in a funny, vibrant, and richly drawn portrait of a modern family.
Nic and Jules (Annette Bening & Julianne Moore) are married and share a cozy suburban Southern California home with their teenage children, Joni and Laser (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson). As Joni prepares to leave for college, 15-year-old Laser presses her for a big favour. He wants Joni, now 18, to help him find their biological father; the two teenagers were conceived by donor insemination.
Against her better judgment, Joni honours her brother’s request and manages to make contact with “bio-dad” Paul (Mark Ruffalo), an easygoing restaurateur. The kids find themselves drawn to the confirmed bachelor’s footloose style – especially in contrast to Nic.
Jules, who has been looking to start a new career in landscaping, also strikes up a rapport with Paul. As Paul comes into the lives of the forthright four, an unexpected new chapter begins for them as family ties are defined, and re-defined. Moore and Bening are superb actors here, evoking a marriage of more than 20 years, and all of its shadings and secrets, idealism and compromise. Nic is more of the mind, Jules is more of the heart. The film gives them convincing, intelligent dialogue, mannerisms that fit in this very smart comedy.
USA · 2010 · Lisa Cholodenko · 106min
