It’s Complicated is a good, solid chick flick – a romantic comedy with two endearing leads in Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin. It’s also the tamest ‘R’ rated movie I think I’ve ever seen. I’m told the rating had something to do with the inclusion of a pot-smoking scene, which is ironic since unlike The Hangover or Pineapple Express, I highly doubt anyone younger than 40 will attempt to sneak into this one! It’s purely an adult movie with adult themes and humor. Streep plays Jane Adler, a successful, attractive middle-aged divorcee who hooks up with her married ex-husband Jake (Baldwin) while celebrating their son’s graduation from college. Jane and Jake embark on a clandestine affair known only to their soon-to-be son-in-law Harley (played with scene-stealing appeal by The Office’s John Krasinski).
Jane is conflicted by the whole affair – constantly questioning her own motives as well as Jake’s – yet reveling in being the other woman for a change (payback’s a bitch, eh?). Jake has no real qualms about cheating on his wife – the taut, young(er) woman that he left Jane for 10 years earlier. Jake finds himself fully embracing his mid-life self – stomach flab and all – and virtually obsessing over his ex.
Complicating matters even further – Jane starts dating the nice-guy architect Adam (played by a painfully miscast Steve Martin) who is remodeling her house. Does she give this budding relationship a real chance, or risk it all on a second-chance at love with Jake? Hmmmm…
It’s Complicated was written and directed by Nancy Meyers (The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give, What Women Want, etc.) a Hollywood powerhouse who caters to the oft-underserved audience of mature women. And that’s exactly the audience that will enjoy this movie most.
Just saw it tonight and laughed my ass off. Alec Baldwin is hilarious and Meryl holds the whole thing together with great aplomb. I agree about the miscast Steve Martin who I do love, but doesn’t have the romantic chops to rival Alec. My friend I went with and I discussed possible alternates and came up with Kevin Kline. He would have made a perfect other guy. I think the story kind of peters out at the end, but all in all, I would recommend this one.
I saw this with my Mom and we both really enjoyed it. I love, love, love Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin. I thought they were both great. Alec had me ROFL as the kids say. I also agree that Steve Martin seemed a bit miscast. But that’s my only complaint. It’s three thumbs up from the Chicks.