Iffy for 15+
Parents will dig this over-50 romcom, but kids won't.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that his mature romantic comedy starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin is age-appropriate for older teens and up, though adults are most likely to appreciate it. Although the sexuality isn't graphic, the movie's main themes concern infidellity, sex for the over-50 set, and dealing with grown-up children -- none of which is meant for younger kids. There's some swearing ("s--t" is the strongest of it), a good bit of social drinking (the main characters have their first adulterous night together after getting completely sloshed), and a couple of humorous scenes in which a marijuana joint is shared by three adult characters. Teens could get the message from the movie that being intoxicated lowers inhibitions (which is true) and since no negative consequences are shown, parents should talk to their kids about it. And, as in every other Nancy Meyers movie, everyone lives a completely pampered, wealthy lifestyle, this time in Santa Barbara. We should all be so lucky.
- Families can talk about the movie's message about how divorce affects children, even grown-up ones. What's the impact of Jane and Jake's affair?
- The movie was rated R because of the pot-smoking scene. What conversation do you need to have with your teens about the effects of drinking and drugs on inhibitions?
- This is one of the few movies that explores romance between adults in their 50s. How is Jane and Jake's "mature" romance different than romantic comedies starring younger actors?
The good stuff
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Messages: Although there are positive messages about families of divorce (Jane and Jake's three kids are very close to them) and the empowerment of single women in their 50s, there's also the sense that adultery between exes isn't all that serious, since they were once married. That's a pretty iffy message, even though it's handled comically.
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Role models: Jane is inspiring as a successful business owner who was able to start a new life after divorce. She's also a very caring and loving mother. Jake cares about his children, but he acts quite selfishly throughout the movie. The fact that the ex-spouses hook up isn't exactly top-notch role model behavior, but it's all played for romance and humor.
What to watch for
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Violence: Not an issue
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Sex: Drunken (and subsequently sober) adultery between exes is the movie's central plot point. There's no nudity, but you do see one character in her bra and panties, Meryl Streep in a chemise, and a lot of Alec Baldwin's skin (a strategically placed laptop blocks any X-rated parts). One sight gag alludes to the fact that Baldwin's penis is directly within view of a webcam that Steve Martin is watching from his own computer. There's also a lot of discussion about sex, extramarital affairs, older women's sex drives (and anatomy), and fertility issues.
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Language: Fairly mild for an R-rated movie. Words like "s--t," "holy s--t," "prick," "ass," "bitch," and "oh my God" are said on occasion but not frequently.
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Consumerism: Several brands are featured, including Toyota Prius, Porsche, Jeep, Match.com, and Mac.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Lots of social drinking by adults (mostly wine and cocktails) at dinners and parties. Jane and Jake get completely sloshed before their first hook up; later, Jane smokes a marijuana joint with Adam. None of these scenes have any negative consequences, and indeed, the scenes show how inhibitions are lowered as a result of being intoxicated.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
It's Complicated by revbethjohnson
Fast-paced, hilarious, down-to-earth, and only rated "R" because it's wonderful RAUNCHY! No explicit sex, only the build-up and after-math (quite enough). Deals with a subject (extra-marital affairs, divorce, remarriage, second thoughts, missing one's original family) that a lot of American families deal with daily. Yet this film is uplifting, truth-revealing without shame or guilt, and comforting. My advice -- GO SEE IT B.J. in Scottsdale!
5
It"s complicated by tanyahodge
AWESOME!!!!!!!!! one of the funniest movie I've seen in a long time. Meryl Streep is so lovable and Alec is funny, witty and gorgeous. Steve Martin isnt in a lot of scenes,but the ones he is in are definately memorable and SO FUNNY. It is a great movie to go to with girlfriends or your husband. its not your typical chic flic, so the guys will laugh too. I have already recommended it to many friends and would see it again.
2
BORING, BORING, BORING. by a sleeper
I am sorry but this movie was not funny , at all ..... OK , maybe you should see it, or you could stay home and watch your freezer make ice....
4
It's Complicated by moviebuff4478
Saw this a couple of hours ago. It was much funnier than I thought it would be. Meryl Streep did a great job! Even Alec Baldwin was even surprisingly funny! Great to see as a couple or by yourself.
4
Not just a chick flick by birac
OK, teen and twentysomething males wont really go for this,but mature men,or men just willing to learn something and enjoy time with their wife/gf should be cool. It was her turn to pick and we were both impressed with this complicated,yet unpredictable in the main, relationship oriented film. Sexual situations were handled with humor,not raunch and only one -ss shot as far as nudity goes. Really good cast bringing out versatility of Streep and Martin,Baldwins solidarity and Krysinski's(sp) "up and comingness". All around enjoyable time with fun and lessons to ponder.
5
Finally an Adult Comedy for Real People! by bahiaw
Streep, Baldwin & Martin give fantastic portrayals of people who have been through the same situation with divorce, remorse, guilt, adultery, rekindled love and finally in the end reality.
Santa Barbara is the beautiful setting for this romantic realistic adult comedy about a divorced couple, Streep & Baldwin and a recently divorced architect, Martin who falls for Streep with caution after his own experience with being burned by his ex-wife.
All the performances are understated and makes you care about all the characters, as you can relate on some level with what they are going through.
If you want to laugh, think, laugh and think some more, then the movie "It's Complicated" is the movie to see!
2
It's Complicated by gsimko
I have a major problem with a movie or any other venue condoning or encouraging either a man or woman cheating on a spouse. One can only hope that the news of the personal lives of the family members of Tiger Woods and others would serve to have everyone understand that adultery is no laughing matter - not for the family members. For all of us who have been directly affected by adultery, there is just nothing funny about this movie.
5
Its Complicated by mbcmbc
Great Laugh! Went with my daughter, Both loved it. Great way to spend a few hours together...Everybody needs to laugh more.