Catching up on 2010: July - 'Despicable Me', The Kids Are All Right'

Despicable Me

This was the first of the animated films I saw this year. At the time I was fairly impressed with the movie, the unfortunate thing is that it’s impossible not to compare it to the two giants of animated film from this year, Toy Story 3 and How To Train Your Dragon.

The idea is clever enough; a dastardly evil villain with unresolved child issues exploits three orphaned children by adopting them and using them for his own gain with hopes of destroying his nearest competition. The problem he finds is that he creates an unexpected bond with the girls as they unknowingly do his bidding. I really like films that aren’t just about superheroes, but instead take a step back and comment on the culture of superheroes. Examples of films that have done this to some extent are The Incredibles and Watchmen. Maybe it comes from mine and every young boy's (and maybe girls) fascination of becoming a superhero growing up, but the more movies address the background of the superhero culture, the more I think it’s an attainable career possibility. But I digress…

I think the brief synopsis above is as succinct as I can describe this movie. What sets it apart is its venture into darkness. It certainly doesn’t go as far as something like Coraline, but to ask an audience to immediately connect with a clear-cut villain is to create a tone unlike other animated films. One of the places this film succeeds the most is in connection with the characters. I explained in my review of Toy Story 3 that relatable characters are what have allowed that franchise to succeed. Gru (voiced by Steve Carrell) is a character you can’t help but like because of his lovable clumsiness. I couldn’t help but connect with the three girls because they’re so perfectly different, just as three sisters ought to be. And the youngest one is almost too cute… “It’s so fluffy, I’m gonna die!” Also, Gru’s minions are a great addition. The story isn’t perfect, that’s for sure, but it doesn’t distract from the overall experience. When it needs to be funny it is; it won’t WOW you, but it also isn’t lacking or overwhelming in the humour department. A respectable choice for sure, but not enough to reach the standard of animated films set this year.

Story – 7.5

Comedy/Tragedy – 7

Characters – 4.5

Believability – 3.5

Filmmaking – 7.5

Sheer Enjoyment – 8

Despicable Me – 3.8 out of 5 yukes

The Kids Are All Right

It’s a scary proposition to make a movie that centers around modern day, generally uncovered themes, case-in-point The Switch. Don’t worry, The Kids Are All Right  is the classy version of movies centering on the idea of artificial insemination. Upon finding out that he’s fathered two children by artificial means to a lesbian couple, Mark Ruffalo's character is thrust into the world of parenthood. This post-modern film subtly explores the nature vs. nurture debate from the parental viewpoint instead of that of the children. To what extent is Ruffalo’s character entitled to being a part of his ‘kids’ lives? And what right of protection do their mothers have control of?

As you will have read if you have been reading my blogs, one of the greatest things I believe a movie can do is to, at its core, relate to its audience. This movie achieves this. That’s not to say that I can relate to two lesbian mothers losing grip on their teenage children. I also can’t relate to a man who’s just found out that he’s responsible for the existence of two fully grown teenagers. What I can relate to is feelings of surprise and inadequacy that Paul (Ruffalo) feels when he finds these things out. I can relate to combative feelings Nic (Annette Bening) has when she realizes that things are slowly slipping from her control. Though it isn’t to do with sexual orientation, I have surely experienced the confusion Jules (Julianne Moore) is feeling when it comes to her identity. I think we can all relate to the idea of questioning, deep down, who we really are.

Indulge me for a few sentences with some OSCARS talk. If you don’t care about this, skip to the scores at the bottom of this review. This movie will be nominated for OSCARS, mark my words. They will most likely come in the categories of Best Picture, Annette Bening for Best Actress (though it won’t be fully deserved), Mark Ruffalo for Best Supporting Actor, Julianne Moore for Best Supporting Actress (more of a longshot), and Best Original Screenplay. With that much recognition this makes it a must watch movie. The characters certainly propel this story much more than the story itself, and it’s a joy to watch. I say Annette Bening doesn’t deserve a nod not because she doesn’t give a great performance, but because I believe Julianne Moore is more of a lead in this film, and Bening takes on more of a supporting role. If she was nominated for Best Supporting I would have no hesitation leading the charge for her to receive a golden statue, but alas, my voice will not be heard. Anyways, this movie is still worth your time.

Story – 7.5

Comedy/Tragedy – 7.5

Characters – 5

Believability – 4

Filmmaking – 8

Sheer Enjoyment – 7.5

The Kids Are All Right – 3.95 out of 5 yukes

... you just got yuked!

CU

(P.S. - I will also have reviews for Inception and Dinner for Schmucks tonight... please make sure to read all my reviews if you have time, and comment on this page... it's nice to know people are reading)