Iffy for 17+
Mature, witty family dramedy explores love, parenthood.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this witty, worldly dramedy about a lesbian couple whose teenage children decide to acquaint themselves with their sperm-donor father deals frankly (and compassionately) with all of the complications that could arise in that situation -- including marital discord, infidelity, biological identity, nature vs. nurture,and letting go of a child on the brink of adulthood. Thanks to those themes and some other fairly mature content -- including partial nudity (breasts, buttocks) during sex scenes, clips from a pornographic movie, swearing, and teenage drinking and drug use -- The Kids Are All Right is best for older teenagers and adults.
- Families can talk about the troubles that Nic and Jules face as parents and partners. What does the movie say about relationships and parenting?
- What makes someone a good parent? How does the media typically portray parents? Do the parents in this movie seem more or less realistic to you than those in other movies/TV shows? Why?
- How does the movie portray teen drinking and drug use? Are there consequences for the behavior? What do you think would happen in real life?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie's central messages revolve around parenting, presenting it as a difficult task, but one with infinite rewards if you do your job right. It suggests that being a parent goes way beyond titles -- what is a mother? what is a father? -- and that it's who you are and how you treat your kids that makes you a good parent (or not). The film also seems to be saying that growing up requires some distancing from our parents -- a dicey transition that can bring out the worst in people, at least for a little while.
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Role models: Nic and Jules are devoted to their children, and even though they make mistakes, take each other for granted, and are prone to bickering, they love and respect each other. Paul steps up and embraces fatherhood, despite his unusual path to that role. And although teens Laser and Joni push boundaries, they're aware that their actions have repercussions for which they should be responsible.
What to watch for
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Violence: A teenage boy berates and belittles his friend and hits him. Men and women hurt the ones they love both with actions and with words.
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Sex: A man and a woman are seen having sex; her breasts are visible, and hisbehind is shown thrusting. Teens watch a pornographic movie that shows men hooking up with each other (their behinds are visible). A woman goes under the covers and performs a sex act on her female partner. A teen girl talks about older men -- and everything else -- in a sexualized manner.
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Language: Many uses of words including “bitches," “ass," "s--t," "f--k," "d--k," "p---y," "oh my God" (as an exclamation), and "hell."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Teens are shown drinking and crushing a pill, then snorting the resulting powdery substance. An adult appears to like drinking a bit too much, and she and her partner bicker over it.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
what a disappointment! by jkereszti
I was so excited to see this movie, and went to see it opening night. Halfway through the movie I wanted to leave, but I was talked into seeing if the ending redeemed the movie. The acting was fantastic, despite the awful script and storyline. Lesbians do not need to watch man-on-man porn to feel sexual, and there was no satisfying reason given for them doing so. The storyline could have taken many other paths to create as much drama without Julianne Moore having an affair with Mark Ruffalo, giving the false impression that lesbians are sexual beings easily tempted to fall into bed with the next man. Annette Bening's question "Are you straight now?" is a very realistic reaction, but falsely indicates that homosexuality is a choice that can be changed. I don't feel that there is redemption at the end of the movie. In fact, half of the audience left before the film ended, and I wish I had been one of them. Bottom line: don't waste your money, or your time.
3
Plot not quite right by cindylouv
The acting was pitch perfect. But the fact that the Julianne Moore character found it so easy to jump in bed with a guy makes me think she has more issues to consider than just infidelity to her wife.
4
Kids are just alright by emilyandersen
I had high expectations for this movie based on reviews; it was good - but not great. I was frustrated by the abundance of characters, each one fighting for screen time; I felt cheated out of getting to really know any one character.Julianne Moore seemed to have an accent that I couldn't quite place (Nancy from "30 Rock"?) and she played the role as a bit of a caricature. All in all the performances were good, and the story was intriguing - it just left me wanting more.
2
The Kids Are All Right by moviecandi
Hated it! What a waste of money. Thought we were watching a documentary about lesbians and ******* living. Love Mark Ruffalo, but dissappointed this time. Will not recommend it to anyone.
2
The Kids Are All Right by Oregon P-Corn
At times, smart writing, however, a little cliched in the ******* department (e.g., "I need that like I need a @#% in my ass). Also, way over the top sex scenes (bordering on pornographic). This really could have been a smart, funny movie with the choice of actors, however, took the low road in the rauch department. I was disappointed and definitely would not recommend it!
3
The Kids Are All Right by hopewell1
so-so predictable plot with good acting
5
A movie about what really makes a family by buffetfan1102
I liked the story of this movie. It shows the real life of peoples lives and how complicated it can be. Nothing is normal and simple. It shows a family that loves each other. You will enjoy it. It does contain graphic sex scenes. It is a R movie. ndm
5
Great Character Development Tells the Story by sdiamond3208
The Kids Are All Right is a wonderful story, told simply and eloquently through its characters. Every actor lived their parts. The lines were great. Nick expressing disgust over all the fuss being made over heirloom tomatoes! After the movie I had to immediately google the ages of Annette Bening (52) and Julianne Moore (50). I just couldn't stop thinking about all the details and the general feel good, lesson learned attitude of the film. Don't miss this one - Enjoy!
4
The Kids Are All Right by Augenblick
This is a gripping movie, more of a drama about relationships than a comedy, although there is a healthy dose of humor in it. The actors do a first-rate job of giving believable performances with realistic reactions to the situations going on in their lives. There is plenty of ambiguity and nuance in each character so that no one seems a caricature. Even the male "interloper" is someone deserving of understanding and sympathy despite the upheaval he causes. Like so many of us, he is flawed--as are all the characters in the film--not always thinking ahead to envision what the consequences of his actions might be. He is selfish but not mean-hearted. This movie does not glamorize two-mother family life. Relationships within all families are complex and often difficult and painful, whether the parents are a mom and dad or mom and mom. This film illustrates that truth well.
5
The Kids Are All Right by laurazucker
I loved this movie. it was a deep portrayal of the trials and small joys of a long-term marriage, with kids. The characters were fully developed and experienced believable evolution, with the exception of Jules' affair with the donor. A great movie for anyone.