It’s really no secret that The Kids Are All Right remains a relatively obscure entry in this highly competitive summer movie season, but considering that it is an independent film that was initially released in only seven theaters, the amount of buzz generated has been truly awe-inspiring. I’ve always been a bit of a fan of indy-films, because more often than not, audiences are treated to an engaging story and a surprisingly high level of acting, even in the absence of a substantial production budget. And let’s face it; Hollywood has witnessed several films of humble origins skyrocket to staggering financial success and near-universal acclaim, do such titles as Little Miss Sunshine or My Big Fat Greek Wedding ring a bell? Given the high level of acting talent present in the cast and early reviews claiming that Annette Bening and Julianne Moore both gave Oscar-worthy performances, I was understandably pleased when The Kids Are All Right was granted a wide-release this past weekend.
I am happy to report that my high expectations for The Kids Are All Right were more than surpassed, as I have not seen such an impressive level of acting in quite some time. I will admit that the modern subject matter might not take with some of the more traditional audiences, but at its core, The Kids Are All Right flawlessly guides the viewer through highly relatable themes such as family values and transition. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore more than deserve Oscar nominations for their performances, but the rest of the cast has earned recognition as well, engaging the audience with significant character development and a surprisingly high level of empathy. Despite some complex dynamics between this “non-traditional” family, The Kids Are All Right still tells a simple story with plenty of drama and humor, which is sure to please countless movie-goers.
For more information, please read the full review.
Overall Recommendation: Very High
