Viewed in
2011
Formats
DVD
Premise
Annette Bening and Julianne Moore star as a lesbian couple whose kids decide to find out who their sperm donor is.
Liked
The acting, the writing.
Thoughts
The acting was definitely the best part of the film. The cast was very strong, including Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, and Josh Hutcherson (The Bridge to Terabithia). As the parents, Bening and Moore were very believable as an old married couple with marriage-related issues. And when it came to the heart-tugging moments, they knocked it out of the park.
Overall, I thought it was a well-structured family drama. Although the son's subplot seems to disappear about halfway through. I liked how the dialog and situations made the characters feel like a genuine American family, with imperfections, and confused hormonal teenagers making things worse.
The writers did an excellent job with the lesbian-parent premise. It was neither in-your-face "hurray for gays!" nor a surface gimmick. Instead, the story created some interesting scenes that explored the lesbian family dynamic, such as the sublime rivalry between the two mothers and their kids, yet at the same time, highlight the human commonality inherent in most families.
I should have seen it coming that the first half was going to be more lighthearted, and the second half was more of a tearjerker. But thanks to the strong acting and writing, I cared for these people, and gladly went along for the ride and emotional payoff.
What I would change
Nothing.
