I do not hide my fervent love of John Krasinski. It’s so obvious that Nora even mentioned it in my Christmas card! So any movie he’s in, I’m pretty much guaranteed to see (minus License to Wed, oy). My sexy man in a gray cardi and white shirt with Cary Grant side-swept hair made me tingle in my lady bits and I’m pretty sure I was drooling on my keyboard while watching the trailer.
Oh yeah and Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are in it too. I should mention that. No lie, I was hoping Meryl would just bust out a “Bon Appetit” during the movie, but she didn’t.
Alrighty let’s jump into the nitty gritty and then I’ll start with my editorial comments, of which I have many.
Movie: It’s Complicated
Rating: R
Release date: December 25, 2009
Everyday Adventures’ grade: B
Summary: Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) are divorced and Jake has his trophy wife (Lake Bell) with whom things aren’t going so well. After a family trip to New York, Jane and Jake hook up just as she is getting to know Adam (Steve Martin). Should Jane give Jake another try? Should she be with Adam? Like sands through the hours glass, these are the Days of Our Lives.
My thoughts: I have to warn you all that you have seen many of the funny parts of this movie in the trailer. Beware! And I’m being a little generous when I gave this a B, primarily because, Nancy Meyer movies do not cater to my demographic. There is a reason why my parents love her films and I support her making rom com movies that do relate to an older audience because few do.
One big issue I have with her movies, like this and Somethings Gotta Give, is that all of her main characters are rich, well dressed and well put together, WASPy version of 50+ year old adults. Everyone has the perfect house, car, family, kids, clothes and of course accessories. Not one of those kids has real issues outside of planning their JFK/Jackie-inspired weddings or lives in an apartment smaller than 2,000 square feet. It’s irritating and not very representative, but movies are an escape so I will take a round trip ticket to “oh my gosh I wish they would just adopt me like Angelina and let me live in this perfect world” station.
As a child of divorce, there were parts of this, especially Jane and Jake’s relationship with their kids, that I could relate to and overall, it was spot on. But when things get really complicated between Jane/Jake/Adam, the kids are left wondering, will mom and dad get back together? They’ve been apart for 10 years and I’m still dealing with the divorce! Are you kidding me? This theme is not at all examined leading up to this point of the movie and having her 22-27 year old kids all snuggled in bed together in a very Von Trapp-like way bemoaning this, made me gag because there is no set up, just random tears. But it makes for a warm, fuzzy moment so that’s what we love.
Meryl Streep is great as a semi-confident, established, moderately happy woman who grabs dating and sex by the balls (no pun intended) and struggles with the good/bad pieces of her affair with Jake. Steve Martin was good in an understated, muted character that you couldn’t help but root for and Alec Baldwin is still great as a smart a**y, Jake Donaghy-like character.
With relative unknown actors playing Jake and Jane’s kids, the addition of John Krasinski seemed a bit of a stretch, as if to appeal to the kids going with their parents to see this and forcing him in a few scenes. But he’s goofy, smoking f*cking hot (RAWR!) and makes you laugh. I still want to procreate with him multiple times a day after seeing this.
The last thing I’ll say is this, there was a great scene with Meryl that I could relate to, about being comfortable in your body and showing that nakedness to another person, knowing they’re judging something so intimate. Really poignant.
Summary: So out of my long-winded diatribe, I think you’ll like It’s Complicated, especially if you still have a girl crush on Meryl post Julie/Julia but it’s more dramatic than comedy with some good parts mixed in.
Did you see it? If so, what did you think?
I enjoyed it! I think John Krasinski was absolutely hilarious–forced or not!
The pot-smoking scenes stole the movie for me.
And I agree–I’m 24 and could NEVER afford the house the engaged kids lived in…not saying I wouldn’t LOVE to! The hall of book shelves–I die!
I agree with everything you said. Especially regarding Nancy Meyer’s view of the 50+ lifestyle: beautiful homes, nice wardrobe and their perfectly coordinated children.
but I do like how she tells a story (love love love The Holiday!) Although I felt she over-simplified Jake & Jane’s divorce which left some questions for me.
and John Krasinski in his gray cardigan? MAJOR SWOON. ohhhh yes.