It's Complicated
It's Complicated
Starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin
Directed by Nancy Meyers (Something's Gotta Give)
Rated R for some drug content and some sexuality
Appropriate for ages 17+
During her son's college graduation, Jane (Streep) inadvertently hooks up with her ex-husband Jake (Baldwin), the man that left her for a much younger woman years ago. To make matters worse, Jane finds herself also attracted to her architect Adam (Martin) who is clueless that there is anything going on between her and her ex.
The first thing that attracts most people to this film is the excellent cast, and a great ensemble it is. Streep and Baldwin have wonderful chemistry together and Martin turns in a much more subtle performance than he is used to in a comedy and it works like a charm. This really has me excited to see Baldwin and Martin co-hosting the Oscars this year.
What attracted me most to the film, though, is the clever premise. This is a very creative story with an overall good screenplay. It helps to have actors such as these that can knock it out of the park, but this material is smart, thoughtful, and at times insanely funny. I'll admit that I really didn't want to see that much of Baldwin's butt on screen, but the set piece in front of the computer cams is a gem and is sure to be copied for years to come.
What didn't work were the many scenes with rest of the family that seemed to stagnate. Maybe it's that the kids didn't put on great performances (even John Krasinski falls a little flat) or maybe there just wasn't enough genuine conflict to make things interesting, but I was bored whenever two of the three main stars weren't on screen together. Luckily that wasn't often. B
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