Review of The Kids Are All Right (2010) by Chris O — 22 May 2014

This film is smartly written and brilliantly skirts away from making a lesbian marriage controversial. Far from it, it's a normal marriage with a far different set of controversies to be considered.

But the script can only be carried by actors who are up to the task. I expected greatness from Bening, Moore, and Ruffalo and all three delivered performances which were far under-appreciated during awards season.

Hutcherson also turned in a strong turn, although his character was not nearly as well-fleshed out so there was a considerable lull when he was in focus. However, the surprise of the film was Wasikowska who turned in a fully-lived in and developed performance as the coming-of-age daughter who served as the critical foil for the unraveling family.

I'd seen her in Alice in Wonderland and thought she'd hardly be up to the task of this family. I can happily report that I was proven wrong. With this performance, Wasikowska has proven herself more than capable and is well on her way to her own Oscar-worthy career.