The Kids Are All Right

Review: The storyline itself is enough to convince us that this is one very unique movie indeed. We find it hard to recall any other movie with a similar plot. But its appeal lies in the fact that it`s a story about a family, as unconventional as it may seem to most of us.

There are, of course, some very serious undertones to this movie, such as how much responsibility a sperm donor should have in the lives of his offspring, and even, perhaps, how children with gay parents turn out. If you`re looking for a movie that analyses these issues and more, this isn`t it. While it does raise such thoughts in the minds of viewers, it does nothing to tackle it, making it pleasant viewing for neutral moviegoers. But if you`re someone who`s looking for the answers to such questions, we`re afraid you`ll have to look elsewhere or read very deeply between the lines.

One of the highlights is Mark Ruffalo`s performance. In our opinion, he`s one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood and it`s in so-called ‘small` movies like this that he really shines. And he shows that he`s no pushover either, making his mark alongside the brilliant Moore and Bening. Bening, of course, recently won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture  Comedy or Musical.

And the teen stars don`t do too badly either. Wasikowska, of course, was in Tim Burton`s Alice In Wonderland, and Hutcherson more than impresses with his slightly angsty character.

Just a small warning though it`s a bit long, clocking it at almost two hours and, because of the drama involved, it can seem draggy at bits. But, if you have the patience to sit through it, you will be rewarded with a beautiful movie. And, although we`re glad it won a Golden Globe recently for Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, we would never in our wildest dreams have categorised this as a comedy or a musical!

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Summary: It`s not just the kids who are alright, the whole movie is more than okay too.

 Balvinder Sandhu