Review of It's Complicated (2009) by Michael Y — 17 Jun 2011

Watching old people in a sexual relationship didn't really appeal to me, but the movie didn't turn out as bad as all that. What really let this movie down was it's romantic appeal on real life subjects it only barely touches on.

Jane and Jake are 2 aged divorcees. Jake has since remarried. But when their son goes to College in New York, the two relight a spark and have an affair. Bane must now make a decission between getting back together with the man she once loved, or begin a new relationship with her architect who is adding another addition to her house. This movie isn't half bad. I didn't wan't to see Meryl Streep having movie sex, but it wasn't as bad as all that. The movie has its sweet moments, and it's hilarious moments. But the faults in this movie lies in its rom-com-esque representation of some serious issues. I loved the moment when their kids found out they might get back together, but the script ruined any chance of this seriously troubled relationship from actually appearing troubled. And part of that was also from Meryl Streep who wasn't a very likeable character. Too girly and immature to be believable. Steve Martin was ok, but I think Alec Baldwin shined in this movie. He was definietly the strong point. And trying not to spoil anything, but this movie has a totally inappropriate open ending that leaves you thinking "what the fuck?".

I think its safe to say that this movie could have been a lot better with a different director. Nancy Mayers takes this good topic and makes it look like your regular rom-com. The movie was filmed way too normally, using the regular mix of soft lights and camera motions. The editing didn't really shine at all, but the build up to one scene was pretty brilliant. (watch it and you'll know what I mean) There's a scene where Alec Baldwin is looking back at Streep that was a nice little moment, but you won't see many of those likeable moments in this movie. It's pure rom-com in a story that could have been differently interpreted.

Are there good moments in this movie? Yes. It was pretty enjoyable, especially if you like romantic comedies. I do. But this one was a swing and a miss opertunity that didn't show off its star's potential and didn't dive into it's unique plot as it should have.