Video: This one is more than "alright"!

"The Kids Are Alright"

By: Holley Sinn

There are thousands of movies about families. The truth is, the term dysfunctional is applicable more often than it isn't...and in the modern world, very few families are represented by the traditional collective of mom, dad, kids, and pet, all living in the same house. "The Kids Are Alright" from director Lisa Cholodenko, seems like an examination of a lesbian couple raising a son and daughter conceived through invitro by way of sperm donation, but that's really not the point at all. This is simply another film about families. It's a clean, honest example of how we're alike in a world where our our choices are ever expanding and stereotypes are being dissolved little by little.

"The Kids Are Alright" focuses on the relationship between Jules, played by Julianne Moore and Nic, played by Annette Bening. Partners in a long term relationship, they are preparing to send their daughter Joni, played by the lovely Mia Waskikowska, off to college and are dealing with the assumption that their son Laser, played by Josh Hutcherson, is either gay or doing drugs. However, the children have a secret. Despite their age difference, the children are the result of the same sperm donor, and at Laser's request, Joni has set up a meeting with him. Enter Paul, played by Mark Ruffalo - a motorcycle riding organic farmer who owns and operates his own restaurant.

As the relationship between Paul and his biological off-spring develops, so does his connection with Jules who is helping him landscape his backyard. The over-protective Nic turns more often to wine to helps soothe the pain of slowly losing touch with her family, and the spinning plates finally fall when it becomes apparent that Jules and Paul have been engaged in a tryst.

What "The Kids Are Alright" demonstrates so well is the gradual chasm that develops over time when communication in a relationship ceases. Even between two women, both of whom appear to be better communicators than most, the divide is inevitable after years of effortless partnership and unspoken hurt. It also highlights the loyalty that children feel to their parents despite the difficulties and power clashes of growing up. There is a certain "no one and everyone is to blame" ideal represented when Paul enters the picture, and it becomes clear that a complete break down might be the only savior for an otherwise stale and troubled relationship.

Marked by incredible acting, especially from Bening and Moore, "The Kids Are Alright" is a shiny, albeit uncomfortably relatable piece of film-making from an unbelievably talented writer-director. It's rated "R" for some sexual content, language and nudity and is now playing in select theaters across the bay area.