IT'S COMPLICATED (REVIEW)
Despite
what the title suggests, this delightful film is not that complicated at all.
Actually, its simple formula is a winner thanks to the three top notch performers
and their touching, romantic repartee. The date movie of the holiday season.
Marvellous
Meryl Streep (who can do no wrong) plays Jane. She has been divorced for close
to ten years, however still finds herself very much single. To make matters worse,
the last of her children is about to graduate and leave home - Jane feels her
house is becoming one big empty nest. Meanwhile, the philandering ex-husband,
Jake (Alec Baldwin) is preparing for a new child with his much younger, tall,
exotic and wide eyed second wife. One drunken fling later, the pair experience
the unexpected and begin to revaluate their past, current and future relationship
together again. As the situation escalates, their kids are unaware of their parents'
reinvigorated liaisons.
Just as it looks like Jane & Jake
may get back together, the laid back, easy going, Adam (Steve Martin) arrives
as the intercessor. An architect, also divorced, is hired by Jane to do some work
and straight away makes more than just an impression with his building skills.
Adam instantly takes a shine to her and literally fans the flames of Jane's once
dormant, now fluttering heart. Creating much chatter, her friends put in their
opinion over a glass of wine or three. This is desperate and dateless fulfilment
at its chick-flick best.
Hot gossip takes a twist when Jake
is informed of Jane's new 'friend', good old fashioned jealousy takes over. Unfortunately,
his current wife Agnes (Lake Bell) who is about to give birth, does not duplicate
those feelings. The frivolity continues with some outrageous scenes involving
what is almost a miracle for Hollywood standards - an age appropriate love triangle.
The trio may not be senior citizens just yet, but love conquers all, with a little
companionship and comfort made an important part of the bouncy plot.
A
hilarious nude scene not withstanding, Alec Baldwin is plugged in and showing
serious comical timing, however, he adds emotion when needed - a true leading
man in every sense of the word. That said, redeeming himself after a succession
of disappointing films, Steve Martin, who seems to be channelling the great comic
duo, Cheech & Chong, has not been this funny for many years.
As
with all good romances, the predictability may be forthcoming but it's still fun
getting there. Director Nancy Meyers is no stranger to creating films with a strong
female influence. Having written the retro classics 'Private Benjamin' and 'Baby
Boom', to directing the more recent hits, 'What Women Want' and 'Something's Gotta
Give', she is unapologetic in showcasing sisters doing it for themselves.
If
the above review does not convince you to see this terrific comedy with heart,
these four words should - 'Meryl does it again'.
Shane
A. Bassett
