Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson), the children of same-sex parents Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), become curious about the identity of their sperm-donor dad (Mark Ruffalo) and set out to make him part of their family unit, often with hilarious results. But his arrival complicates the household dynamics, and nobody is sure how he fits in — if at all — in this Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning comedy.

This movie is about strained relationships. I did like it but wouldn’t consider this a “feel good comedy.” About halfway into this movie Julianne Moore’s character has an affair with the sperm donor dad. The last half of this movie deals with the fallout. Annette Bening does a fantastic and convincing job as a person who has been betrayed. I admit I would not be friends with her bossy character in real life but I did feel sorry for her and was mad at the other two characters for causing this kind of pain. There is nothing cool about betraying another person’s trust.

I have mentioned before I do have a little crush on Julianne Moore. She was Amber Waves in Boogie Nights and she does have some steamy love scenes here. She is good in the drama department but feel she is lacking in the comedy. I still like her but she is no Zach Galifianakis.

I found this film to be thought provoking. One scene has Annette Bening putting down Mark Ruffalo’s character as he is into organic gardening and leads an alternate health lifestyle. Mark Ruffalo’s character on the other hand makes fun of the Mexican gardener. It always seems we have to put someone down to make us look better in front of others. It is something I have noticed in human nature and something I really don’t care for. I guess people do this when they are insecure.

I am giving this movie 3.2 stars. It is not the best movie ever but it goes by quick. In the end is really is about the kids being alright. They are tougher than they look and deal with things like everyone else, one day at a time.

Click here for the Netflix link in case you would like to add it to your queue.

All the best,

Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
Cell: (203) 500-3834
E-mail: al@alzibluk.com