It's Complicated (2009)
Drug use and sexual references
| Director: | Nancy Meyers |
| Actors: | Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, John Krasinski, Hunter Parrish, Lake Bell, Daryl Sabara, Rita Wilson, Zoe Kazan |
Jane (Meryl Streep) is the mother of three grown kids, owns a thriving Santa Barbara bakery/restaurant and has - after a decade of divorce - an amicable relationship with her ex-husband, attorney Jake (Alec Baldwin). But when Jane and Jake find themselves out of town for their son's college graduation, things start to get complicated. An innocent meal together turns into the unimaginable - an affair. With Jake remarried to the much younger Agness (Lake Bell), Jane is now, of all things, the other woman. Caught in the middle of their renewed romance is Adam (Steve Martin), an architect hired to remodel Jane's kitchen. Healing from a divorce of his own, Adam starts to fall for Jane, but soon realizes he's become part of a love triangle. Should Jane and Jake move on with their lives, or is love truly lovelier the second time around? It's…complicated.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 120mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Is it?
by Simon Miraudo, 12/01/2010 4:38:00 PM
The only thing complicated about Nancy Meyers’ latest rom-com is its depiction of familial relationships. Why do Meryl Streep’s adult children keep on cuddling and squeezing one another? Why does her 21-year-old son climb into bed with his older sisters? And why is her son-in-law so touchy-feely? These questions, among many others relating to the dynamics of this family go unexplained, which is a shame because they are the only interesting elements of It’s Complicated. Everything else is as obvious as you can imagine. Only the weird bond between Streep’s family members can muster a raised eyebrow. Of course it’s not Streep’s family that gave me the willies, but that of her character Jane, a fifty-something divorcee and highly successful chef. She divorced Jake (Alec Baldwin) more than a ...
The only thing complicated about Nancy Meyers’ latest rom-com is its depiction of familial relationships. Why do Meryl Streep’s adult children keep on cuddling and squeezing one another? Why does her 21-year-old son climb into bed with his older sisters? And why is her son-in-law so touchy-feely? These questions, among many others relating to the dynamics of this family go unexplained, which is a shame because they are the only interesting elements of It’s Complicated. Everything else is as obvious as you can imagine. Only the weird bond between Streep’s family members can muster a raised eyebrow.
Of course it’s not Streep’s family that gave me the willies, but that of her character Jane, a fifty-something divorcee and highly successful chef. She divorced Jake (Alec Baldwin) more than a decade ago, and he has since shacked up with the much younger Agness (Lake Bell) and her young son Pedro. Relations between Jake and Jane, once strained, have eased in recent years. Their common link is their children, of whom they are obscenely proud. Their eldest, Lauren (Caitlin Fitzgerald) is engaged to the charming Harley (John Krasinski); son Luke (Hunter Parrish) has just graduated from university, and the youngest, Gabby (Zoe Kazan) is finally leaving home. Jake and Jane travel from Los Angeles to New York to celebrate their son’s graduation and discover their old feelings resurface. Uh-oh!
A fling begins. Jane is now the other woman; Jake’s mistress; the lucky recipient of a Baldwin Booty Call. She’s filled with shame; he’s filled with pride. Neither can deny the sparks flinging back and forth between them. The thing is, she’s recently started seeing a sweet-natured architect called Adam (Steve Martin) on the side. Who will she choose? Wow, it really is complicated. Actually, it’s not. At all. In fact, it’s apt that this film features so many scenes of Streep baking pastries, as the script is as cookie-cutter-conventional as it gets. There are little-to-no surprises to be found in Nancy Meyers’ screenplay; augmented by her typically bland direction.
There are undeniable moments of hilarity, thanks mainly to the performances of Streep and Baldwin. They both give it their all, and remind us just how powerful charming actors can be. They, along with Martin, make the film worth watching. Martin is as good as he can be in a role that requires him to primarily imitate a droopy-eyed puppy. Still, it’s hard to fathom the thought process behind casting the legendary Martin as the straight man. It’s almost as incredulous as casting the 51-year-old Baldwin as a frequently-shirtless romancer. Oh wait…
I don’t have a problem with the fact that these characters exist in that fantastical Hollywood world in which everyone is really rich and have outdoor cocktail parties every weekend. I can accept that. What I cannot accept are fraudulent characterisations of human relationships; no one acts in this film the way anyone ever acts in real life. When this is the case in a film built around adult relationships, we have a big problem. Towards the end of the film, Jake and Jane have a conversation that dances close to emotional honesty; the first and only moment that elevates the film from its many robotic machinations. I prayed that the film ended here, before Meyers could tack on a conventional happy ending. It was to no avail. I guess that scene of emotional honesty was just a fluke.
Speaking of fraudulent characterisations of human relationships, at one point in the film, Jake and Jane enjoy a movie night with their kids. The entire family huddles together on a couch, shares a big blanket and enjoys some homemade popcorn. The kids are always grinning, quipping, laughing, and grabbing one another. At the end of the film, when Jake and Jane’s affair is inevitably revealed, we are asked to believe that the children are emotionally devastated; the lingering after effects of their divorce a decade prior. Please. These kids are emotionally unstable? Just because Meyers’ script says they are doesn’t make it so. Maybe the family can spend one of their movie nights watching Precious if they really want to see an unstable family. The only affliction heaped upon these kids is their lack of personality.
2/5
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Member Reviews (132)
132 Member
Reviews
Anni M
says
In my book ...This movie is a double thumbs up... Not often a film comes along that you forget you are watching well known actors playing to a script. It certainly was a delightful, comedic, up lifting, light hearted movie with great characters and a great flowing plot,
Very enjoyable
Helen M.
says
Meryl Streep is quite marvellous and holds this movie together beautifully. I couldn't fault any of the cast and particularly liked Steve Martin's role and performance. Surprisingly enthralling.
Brenda Glasgow
says
This was a very enjoyable movie, Meryl Streep as good as ever!
Hilarious at times and we didnt fall asleep once!
Keith
says
Absolute saccharine, processed 'pap'. Hardly a real character or real conversation in it. Streep simpering her wau through the impossible scenario, out of sheer embarrassment I assume, while Baldwin bumbles round like a gorilla in a pet shop wondering what or who to eat next. Woman's Weekly dialogue and painfully 'preppy', perfectly polite children set in an Alice In Wonderland house and garden
all serve to make it slightly nauseating. We only watched ( in disbelief!) because a dinner party friend had recommended it. We'll talk to her later.
says
i really enjoyed the three main actors' performances - enjoyed the film, but then i'm in that age-group - maybe the kids were a bit inane
Andrew
says
A rom-com for mums. Good leads and John Krasinski is fine, but the rest of the children are just annoying.
says
We loved this movie, but our copy kept stopping, and we were forced to stop and restart it!!
Chris
says
Was expecting more .. sort of a flat movie
Barbara B.
says
Really enjoyed this movie. Good acting, certainly from Streep - she seems to be absolutely believable whatever role she plays.
Kim
says
Main characters worked really well together, really enjoyable movie, very entertaining.
Pebbles
says
My Husband and I are both in our early 40's and borrowed this for one of our date days, last year. We both thought that it was a great funny and entertaining movie, never once was it dull in any part of it. Good to see a movie that makes you laugh from start to the end.
Elisabeth
says
The best laugh and yet the characters feel real vibrant, alive; yet they are not young. I am 50 saw it with my daughter at 22 years my junior and we both loved it.
Phyllis Foundis
says
Nothing revelationary here - except solid performances from the usual suspects Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin (and a surprisingly bland showing from Steve Martin who really only shines when he's doing 'silly' I'm afraid.) Still, this isn't a terrible experience and you won't wish for these 90 minutes back. Meryl plays a divorcee with adult children who finds herself back in the saddle with ex-husband Alec Baldwin. Oh the webs we weave! Blah, blah. The predicament raises a few smiles and maybe a giggle or two, but it didn't rock my proverbial. An ordinary romp, this movie is actually quite uncomplicated - and perhaps that's the problem.
Mandy
says
One of my favorites. I could watch this again and again. And I have. Some real laugh out loud scenes. Well cast.
Goldie78
says
Good light hearted entertainment - one of the funnier/better rom coms around.
Lea
says
Great movie, funny and at times moving - easy to relate to. Loved Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwyn and Steve Martin!! Great.
KM
says
Very funny and a delight to watch Meryl in her usual fine form
JudyDoll
says
The screen-play and dialog was appaling. I can't think why Merryl Streep would have agreed to take part in this. Only lasted 15 minutes.
debstew
says
Very funny in places, little predictable but nice quick enjoyable movie.
pat dyson
says
well worth viewing and very interesting
gummy
says
shallow and cliched...didn't enjoy at all!!
Jim Gray
says
Mediocre.
Jane
says
Absolutely a totally enjoyable movie.
Kerin
says
Very enjoyable movie.
stephen hunt
says
i really liked this; very very funny indeed good script; good cast; merly sreep@ alex baldwin were excellent.
@_@
says
Elderly people having sex and trying too hard to be funny.
*fart noise* No thanks.
22/1/12
says
Guiet funny movie
Robyn
says
May be a girl flick but there was a different twist from the normal romance tales and I found it entertaining and would recommend it. 3 and half stars
Robin
says
A light and enjoyable movie
L Kelly
says
again we enjoyed this movie
Andrea
says
Loved it, funny, sad, too close to home. Timing great.
TNT
says
Good story, great lead actors. Don't understand why the children were upset and the mother had to explain herself. They are all adults and she owes the children nothing or why Hayley didn't tell his missus when he saw them. Aside from those points, good movie.
Laurie Earl
says
This was hilariously funny, but also a bit sad in places. The scene where the ex husband tries to show his naked body on SKYPE to his wife is hilarious as the boyfriend sees the view! Would recommend it for anyone but especially the 40's
K
says
It was ok.
Imogen
says
Too funny. Good for all ages!
KPL
says
Such a great movie. I loved it so much I watched it last night, and then watched if again the next day. Was just such a great movie about normal middle aged people. Am still laughing about the scene with the webcam. I think my neighbours down the street heard me laughing at that.
Susanna
says
Yes - 'Its Complicated' was a wonderful human story - we enjoyed it especially the wonderful Meryl Streep! Thank you so much.
fred
says
What was i thinking, I need a wash after watching that dribble
Wendy
says
Good chick flick, one not for the boys
Susan
says
Very disappointing, not one of Meryl Streep's better movies although she was about the only one who was a reasonable actor. Towards the end it got slightly better but not really worth watching.
Karen
says
Very amusing, acting was brilliant, my husband even sat through the whole movie with no blood and guts, nice movie.
lindyloo03
says
Was well done and quite funny.
We enjoyed it
pietam6
says
A zany, 'complicated' and truly interesting romantic comedy. Initially, I thought it was a waste of Meryl Streep, but in her indomitable manne, she made the part 'sing'. A thoughtful and happy film.
Pauline
says
It's predictable.
E Benn
says
What a great movie, hilarious and so funny.
40club
says
Goes to show the grass isn't always greener on the other side! Love the one you're with and remember why you fell in love !
redfox
says
This movie was quite good but I wasn't keen on Alec Baldwin's portrayal of the character....I thought he lacked believability in the role.
Louise
says
Nice movie. Merryl was great, Baldwin average. Funny - payback on the sexy young bitch that steals the husband. Yep, she's better off without him, but nothin' like a fling with him to upset his new relationship! Definitely a chick flick for a woman who's had a hubbie cheat on her (I'm qualified to talk).
Stephen
says
It is complicated!
Geoff Donachie
says
Unable to watch - faulty DVD
carol
says
Thoroughly enjoyable
Nikki
says
It was well done and some very funny moments. And of course Meryl was great
Tubbytex
says
Loved it. Borrow it.
Kim
says
Was very funny, gotta love Meryl Streep and her quirkiness.
Carolyn
says
I unexpectedly loved this. Maybe I'm officially "mature". Streep
JenP
says
A really enjoyable mature-people romp.
ASHOK
says
Must Watch Movie 4 Couples
cd
says
Enjoyed this movie. It was very entertaining and funny. Easy to watch. A little disappointed in the ending which I thought was slow and not in tune with the rest of the movie.
Ruthiv
says
Really loved this gentle comedy but have to say it's definitely a chick flick. Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep are perfectly cast. I also liked Steve Martin not being too over the top as he can be in some other movies.
yeo44
says
absolutely fantastic, laughed from the start to finish, typical Meryl Streep puts her all into anything she stars in, about a dirvorce, where the male partner wants to get back into the marriage, even though he has remarried, and the mixed emotions that go with the decision not to, very good
Chritine
says
Good Laugh.....very entertaining movie.
Thanks
bev jones
says
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie - what a scream.
barb
says
great movie could not stop laughing
Mel
says
This was an excellent movie. Lots of laughs and a great storyline, that moved along at a good pace. Meryl Streep was outstanding as was the actor (don't know his name) who played the daughter's fiance. Highly recommended if you want a light-hearted and sometimes hilarious flick.
Nicole
says
I didn't think i would enjoy this, it was just a last minute decision to get it. It was so much better than i was expecting.
cobie
says
loved it could have watched over and over
MG
says
Good laugh, enjoyable movie.
Mary
says
It was OK. A bit disappointed in the ending. I do like Alec Baldwin. Overall a good movie. Unfortunately the copy we had skipped in numerous sections of the movie making it a bit annoying to watch. My husband thought it was a bit of a "chick flick"
Mary
says
I was pleasantly surprised with this movie. Congratulations to Alec Baldwin for baring all at his age. We should get lots more movies with older actors. The actor who played the future son in law was terrific.
philippa
says
Interesting but not so 'shattering' that I really remember what it was about!!!
Heather
says
Didn't want to see it at the movies. Pleasantly surprised!
p.s how do u get a half star? 3 and a 1/2 stars
Dolores
says
Very funny a little disapointing in the end.
KP-B
says
A most inferior script for a talent as rare as Streeps'
Hopefully, this fine artist will not be obliged to hep bring home the bacon in this way again !
Andrea Donders
says
Loved this movie a great light hearted comedy I enjoyed it.
Magda
says
Good movie, great actors...I laughed and I cried...worth watching!
ROYALS
says
A more appropriate title would have been, 'It's constipated'. A tortuous baby boomer rom com with a script and direction that severely compromises the individual and collective talents of Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin; all of whom must be seriously embarrassed by their association with such a torpid piece of celluloid.
jericho
says
this was an OK movie
Catriona
says
Didn't live up to the hype. Meryl Streep was fantastic but she is fantastic in everything she does. Alec Baldwin was not a terribly likeable character. I know he was playing the "middle aged, overweight man in the middle of a crisis" but just though he came across as quite bland and just a tad sleazy. Worth watching but nothing special.
deedee
says
Loved it. Being divorced and a similar age, I could identify with the characters and the story line.
A feel - good movie that will probably appeal more to mature age women.
mingay
says
I enjoyed this rather lighted hearted look of what can only be described as a mid life crisis and trying to go back to something that wasn't good to begin with. Meryl Streep's performance gave this movie sparkle and while not a big fan of Alec Baldwin I found his character to be honest and even funny in parts. Overall, while somewhat inane, it is amusing and whatchable.
Sheryl C.
says
Throughly enjoyed this movie!
LoraineW
says
Meryl Streep, as always in my opinion, carries this character off really well. Such a contrast from her Mother Superior/Headmistress in Doubt. I did find the characters of her children just too "sweet" . In a family that ended with divorced parents, surely there should have been some dysfunctionality in there. Alec Baldwin shows he is not afraid to show off his middle-aged, paunchy body. Good change from the all too often soft lens treatment given to middle aged nudity. Good to see the saggy bits, makes the movie that little more real. Overall a light and entertaining movie that highlighted some of the life experiences and what ifs in life following divorce. Will certainly go buy a copy to keep in the DVD library.
NR
says
Light and funny, enjoyed it as a first viewing. Very modern. Only note was it seemed stretched towards the end, to make up a two hour movie.
Stephen
says
If this movie never shows up in your queue you won't have missed much. Only saved by the performance of Streep in one of her less than best roles.
Anthony
says
Enjoyable film with good performances. Funny and heart warming without being overly sentimental. However, too long by about half an hour for this type of film.
curls
says
This a great movie , very funny , with a terrific cast , would watch it again.
STREEP, BALDWIN, MARTIN a very funny bunch with a great storyline too.
jamawi
says
Its Complicated stars Meryl Streep as Jane a divorce mother of 3 adult children. 10 years post divorce from Jake, played by Alec Baldwin, who has remarried Agness played by Lake Bell. Letting by-gone's be by-gone's Jake and Jane have an innocent dinner that leads to them falling into bed with one another, and ignites an affair. Jane grapples and then relishes with being "the other woman" as well as truly turning the tables on Jake as he relentlessly pursues her. Meanwhile Jane has also met another man, Adam and finds herself falling for the wounded divorcee.
The whole thing gets very "complicated" and Streep shows once again that she can incarnate into any role. Some hilarious moments - kudos to Baldwin's lack of modesty, all in the name of funny.
lynetteg
says
Not a brain tugging, thought provoking movie. I found it pleasant enough even though the story line was a bit surreal. The idea of bonking the ex once was probably believable but then we kept getting repeat scenarios. This is a woman who has been dumped, found someone new who is probably better for her, but goes back to the old man, who , is now married to someone else. Gee, if that she's that fickle I think I would dump her too. Not sure who is the bigger sleaze here.
The only intelligent one is the daughter's fiance.
Anyway , don't take it too seriously, and you'll get a few laughs.
J Lowe
says
Yippee Love you Meryl
westy
says
A fun movie with three very likable characters...
Mel
says
One of the best comedies I have seen in a long long time!
dikdanx
says
The theme of a divorced couple getting back together is as old as the hills and explored repeatedly on the many soap operas available daily on our TV screens. So what made this film worth watching? The story-line was tired and flimsy. It was totally lacking in any real humour - unless you're addicted to the daily rendition of thousands of mindless American comedies that hit our TV screens every afternoon. I could find nothing to even smile about. I was hoping Steve Martin would lift the film with some real humour. But he was given a straight part. For me, this was one big yawn.
G. Ross
says
Story ok but we had trouble watching it as it stopped and jumped and had to be fast forwarded several times.
Josephine
says
Yep sure was complicated, but leopards never really change their spots!!
Fiona
says
Funny the first time, second time you realise not much of a story line
Tanya
says
I thought this would be better because of the hype. But it was enjoyable.
m.knight
says
I enjoyed it
marg
says
Great movie really enjoyed
ozjane
says
I think I would have enjoyed the film more with other actors. I am getting rather weary of Meryl Streep playing Meryl Streep....and Alex Baldwin and Steve Martin did nothing for me in those roles.
The film could have been much better I believe with other actors.
Keaton
says
This was hilarious! Streep is simply brilliant. Baldwin and Martin not far behind. So many laugh out loud moments, I had to pause the film several times so as to catch the follow up gags. 4.5 Stars from me.
Kelly
says
This film is brilliant! It captures the spirit and challenge of a single mum to perfection. Streep is perfect, Baldwin is winning. The future son in law is magical. I was in stitches of laughter. Watching it all unfold was pure entertainment.
Terri
says
The first 5 mins are a bit slow, but certainly makes up for it throughout the movie. Lots of laughs, some of the scenes so unexpected, definitely worth watching.
Sharm
says
3.5 stars I found it enjoyable, well worth a watch, I laughed, I cried. Great cast (I thought the son-in-law was gorgeous).
coffee
says
GREAT! movie, good fun and totally engaging story, excellent cast to-boot..
Clint
says
Better than I expected. Meryl Streep was excellent as always and the plot hung together okay. Better than having to watch a RomCom with the wife.
Ollie
says
Absolutely loved it - I laughed, I cried and I cheered. Really good movie Actor who played the son in law was brilliant!
tadams
says
Loved this film but how can you go wrong with a cast like that. Great story line - predictable in parts but overall very enjoyable.
Wayne
says
A good story with a few good laughs and some great actors.
Erica
says
An easy watch, quite entertaining. Loved Alec Baldwin in it.
carol
says
Good for a laugh Meryl streep is great
Rob H
says
Really great movie my wife and both loved it we r 30 somethings
Samantha C
says
Great movie! Meryl Streep is awesome. Much funnier than you might think at first. I've seen it twice, first with girlfriends and second with my husband and we all had a good laugh and enjoyed it.
Janine
says
I didn't find this movie as entertaining as the previews promised. There are some funny spots, especially towards the end but there are some very unfunny parts too. All the cast is very good except Baldwin, who comes across as pathetic rather than amusing. The story line is interesting and will have meaning to many 40 people who have been through divorce.
lizziemun
says
Just loved this movie. It's so absolutely credible and real. Nice to see Steve Martin in a less comical role although if he hasn't had "work" I'm not sure what was distracting about his face. Alec Baldwin was fantastic particularly in the scene with the well placed lap top. Definitely worth spending the time.
Barbara C.
says
What a funny movie - I almost died laughing at the bedroom/laptop scene.
Leah
says
I laughed and laughed. Good movie
Annie
says
FUNNY! A couple of particularly hillarious scenes. LOL stuff! Great girlie flick.
Dee
says
It not complicated. This move stinks. Oh, unless you like seeing Alec Baldwin’s disgusting gorilla chest, then you are in luck.
Helen
says
typical predicatable american romantic feature. Found it a little tiresome but light enough
JC
says
Awesome movie! If you want a great laugh, hire this one. Although better suited to the 30 age group as we can relate to the story allot better.
Deb
says
Meryl Streep has done some good work recently, I am not a huge fan of her early dramatic work but have enjoyed several of the movies she has made in the last few years.
Not what i had expected from the promos. Alec Baldwin does strange very well.
rosie53
says
If you enjoyed The Holiday(I didn't) you may enjoy this. It didn't leave me 'laughing out loud" as the promo suggested. I enjoyed seeing Steve Martin playing the serious role it seemed to make him more endering somehow. I found myself hoping he'd 'get the girl'. Alec Baldwin is not the hunky-spunky he use to be but he suited this role perfectly & I did find him funny at times. A bit of a 'blah' movie for me but probably still worth a watch on a rainy sunday avo.
Marg F
says
I was a little let down maybe because of the advertising my expectations were for a more funny
Matthew B
says
Very funny, well played film.
J.Levis
says
I loved it!
Ann E.
says
Loved this movie, brilliantly cast with the performances you would expect from these great actors and looks like it was a fun movie to make. It is a funny, romantic, light, entertaining movie with some more serious and thought provoking scenes, for us this one ticked all the boxes and loved the idea of 'revenge for the first Wife'! ! ! ! Recommend it highly for a great evenings viewing.
JM
says
Likes this movie a lot.....light and funny. Alec Baldwin is great !
Zakgirl
says
I really wanted to give this movie 3.5 stars but I can't see how to do that so anyway this movie was a bit of a let-down for me because I'm a Streep fan and I thought she took the easy way out with this movie. It just didn't have her normal excellence that I've come to expect from her.
Not saying that Meryl didn't do a good job or that the movie was a let-down completely but if this film was a stretch for her I would have enjoyed it more.
The movie was good and took on a realistic twist towards extra marital affairs appropriate to today's world and all its complexities.
Overall I enjoyed this movie though. Easy watching.
gerd
says
Complicated it's not. More like unreal, contrived and tedious. It was hard to accept these as real people in real situations. But it does have some funny moments, and consequently is quite a memorable movie. Had it been an hour long instead of two, it may have been more enjoyable.
jess
says
loved it!! a great laugh!!
Marg
says
One of those fun movies you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy! The cast were great and there were plenty of laughs. Had some big name actors but John Krasinski stole the show as the son-in-law! Recommended. :-)
Kerrie F.
says
I was really looking forward to this movie from the trailers. For about the first 20 minutes, I was quite disappointed. But after a slow start, it picked up and was very funny - some great 1-liners! Jane's (Meryl Streep) son in law plays a great role in the movie, which I noticed a whole lot more on the second viewing. Great to see a romantic comedy where the characters are real adults instead of teenagers. Highly recommended.