PADDYLAST INC.

Director: Lisa Cholodenko

Starring: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson

The Kids Are All Right has got to win something at the Oscars. This was my first reaction immediately after watching the film on DVD. It goes to show that you don’t really need to spend millions to create something as refreshing and as grandiose (story-wise) as this film. It is definitely a very, very good watch. It’s fresh, raw and very well acted.

Plot: Nic (Bening) and Jules (Moore) are lesbian couple who have each given birth to a child using the same sperm donor. Their youngest child Laser (Josh Hutcherson) was eager to meet his sperm donor Father but was very young to contact the facility so he asked his 18-year old sis Joni (Mia Wasikowska) to make the call and have them meet their biological father Paul played by Mark Ruffalo. The meeting went well and that’s the beginning of Paul’s entrance to the family.

Jules have a landscaping businnes and Paul asks her to landscape his garden. Jules immediately said yes but Nic thinks that it’s not a very good idea since they are initially uncomfortable with the idea of Paul spending time with the kids. While doing the work at Paul’s garden, Jules was very thankful and suddenly kissed Paul which end up in bed and they begin to have an affair.

At the dinner in Paul’s house, Nic discovered the affair when she found Jule’s hair in Paul’s bathroom and bed. She confronted Jules and regretfully admits the affair. Nic was distraught so as the kid who are angry at Paul and Nic.

Jules eventually addressed her family and begs for forgiveness. Joni went to college and Laser told his Mom’s not to break up because they’re too old. Both giggles at Laser’s comments and the film ended showing them smiling at each other.

The dinner at Paul’s house would have to be one of my favorite scenes in the film! Annet Benning has got to win the Oscars! She is FANTASTIC! While watching this film, I am a little bit embarrassed by Nic’s actuation –it was just amazing! I cried when Jules had her speech in front of the family apologizing, explaining marriage and all! With the line“Sometimes you hurt the one you love the most” which is indeed true. The whole ensemble was great except for Mark Ruffalo’s who’s presence I didn’t feel that much. I find no depth at all –or am I supposed to look for one? LOL.

I’d give this a 9.5/10 ratings.