The Kids are Alright

The Kids are Alright is a film about a lesbian couples children
bringing their sperm donor father into their family and the issues
that ensue. Subplots involve the 15 year old son beig questioned about
his friendship with another boy - if it is a sexual one or if it is
appropriate because the other is considered a "loser". Another is the
daughters virginity and her closest guy friend potentially a breaker
of such at her graduation party from high school. Another is the 18
year old daughter asserting her adulthood on her overprotective doctor
mother. Another is the sperm donor father falling for one of the moms
and engaging in straight sex with her.

This movie is good on many levels. The two mothers, played by Annette
Benning (breadwinner, overprotective, and "the boss") and Julianne
Moore (free spirit, viber, unemployed), are a very believable couple
complete with romance and affection much like a straight audience
would expect from a straight couple. Their issues with their children
are truthful and come across as very sincere. Their two children are
growing into their own in the film and explore their relationship with
their biological father played by Mark Rufallo. Rufallo's character is
a bit confusing because he comes across as a free spirit but at the
same time does not seem to care that his actions could be hurtful to
the family when he proceeds to have a sexual relationship with Moores
character. Undoubtedly when the other spouse finds out about the
indescretions "expected" behaviors are shown - I have a feeling some
may think that this gay relationship would be different from straight
ones that is why I call it out as being "expected" and the emotions
really go towards showing the audience the similarities with their own
lives.

It was hard to fin a specific character this movie wanted to be about
and at the end it apprears it is more about the two moms than any
other one in particular. I believe this movie is inthe top 4 that I
have seen at the festival and is definitely a great drama with
believable characters. You feel as if you have taken a journey with
these characters which leaves you satisfied at the end and hopeful. I
highly recommend this movie for all viewers and believe is is capable
of being rewatched a few times.

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