njmollo

20 May 2012

Sell Out Nancy!

Something's Gotta Give is a classic. It's Complicated is the exactopposite.If you want to see a forced and contrived movie, then this is it. Thelives of these people are shallow, materially abundant and extravagant.They are not forced to think on any level that might appear familiarwith most people on the planet. These characters are all totallyunconcerned with sordid reality and so live aimlessly in a world ofHollywood fantasy.Unfortunately, the cast bring with them the baggage of their "real"Hollywood personal lives. Alec Balwin can act quite well, especially asa villain but his 'real life' verbal abuse of his own daughter made hischaracter in this movie impossible to take. We know he is not a niceguy, so stop trying to convince us otherwise. The question I asked wasshould Alec Baldwin be left alone in a room with a child or even awoman, for than matter?Steve Martin also brings some newly upholstered baggage to theproceedings. I was never engaged or convinced by his performance. Infact it was creepy in its egregiousness. Why? ...because I keptwondering what the hell has he done to his face? Don't actors know that their faces and the character that builds inthem over time in the way of wrinkles and sags are essential, evennormal and certainly nothing to be ashamed of? The world of Meryl Streep's character is a very small one and alsoinward looking. Yes, she works in a trendy well-stocked restaurant ofplenty but this is tagged on as an excuse for her affluent existence.In "reality" she only has her family and some girlfriends that appearbriefly, so no wonder she ends up in bed with her x-husband. Even thelove-interest of the architect has to enter her world to be consideredas lover material.This film is life-style aspirational propaganda particularly aimed atNorth America. Are we watching Streep and her sorry situation or herkitchen and wishing we had one just like it.

20 May 2012

Midlife

This review is from: It's Complicated (DVD) A light and pleasant comedy, especially for anyone on the long side of middle age with a bit of life experience under their belt, but an excellent any age "date night" show as well. A suprise for Steve Martin fans. Enjoy.

19 May 2012

Its Complicated has funny moments but overall falls into a sappy predictable mess

0) { document.getElementById(nsPrefix + "clipDiv").style.height=h+"px"; document.getElementById(nsPrefix + "videoPlaceholder").style.height=h+"px"; } else { document.getElementById(nsPrefix + "clipDiv").style.height=""; document.getElementById(nsPrefix + "videoPlaceholder").style.height=""; } document.getElementById(nsPrefix + "flashcontent").style.height="100%";}function fp_rewriteDiv(nsPrefix,divName,html){ document.getElementById(nsPrefix + divName).innerHTML=html;}function embeddingPopup(nsPrefix){ alert("placeholder function for embedding code");}--> // Flash Player (version 9.0.115 or higher)'); } } catch(err) { fp_resizePlayerSpace('cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PW', 0, 0); } return false;}function _cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWloadSwf(movieID, playerVersion) { var swfLocation = "http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/am3/20111115154938207/AMPlayer._V163169252_.swf"; var swfWidth = "320"; var swfHeight = "100%"; var flashVersion = "9.0.115"; var bgColor = "#FFFFFF"; var swfParams = {}; var flashParams = {}; var embedAttributes = {}; swfParams.amazonPort = "80"; swfParams.allowFullScreen = "true"; swfParams.telemetrySubPageType = "VideoReview"; swfParams.nsPrefix = "cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PW"; swfParams.locale = "en_US"; swfParams.logUrl = "gp/mpd/l"; swfParams.canResize = "1"; swfParams.autoPlay = "1"; swfParams.sessionId = "183-6881716-0916508"; swfParams.marketplaceID = "ATVPDKIKX0DER"; swfParams.salign = "LT"; swfParams.preset = "detail"; swfParams.mediaObjectId = "m2D861QULN6LHH"; swfParams.autoPlayTimer = ""; swfParams.mediaObjectIDList = "m2D861QULN6LHH"; swfParams.playIsUserGenerated = "1"; swfParams.enableShare = "0"; swfParams.permUrl = "gp/mpd/permalink"; swfParams.telemetryPageTypeID = "R3A90B5OWIFJ92"; swfParams.xmlUrl = "http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/getplaylist-v2/m2D861QULN6LHH/183-6881716-0916508"; swfParams.amazonServer = "www.amazon.com"; swfParams.scale = "noscale"; flashParams.allowFullScreen = "true"; flashParams.salign = "LT"; flashParams.bgcolor = "#FFFFFF"; flashParams.allowScriptAccess = "always"; flashParams.quality = "high"; flashParams.wmode = "transparent"; embedAttributes.title = "Flash Player"; if (movieID){ if (playerVersion == '3'){ swfLocation = "http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/am3/20111115154938207/AMPlayer._V163169252_.swf"; swfParams.mediaObjectIDList = movieID; } else { swfLocation = "http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/am3/legacy/20101014901/AMPlayerProd._V197491872_.swf"; } swfParams.xmlUrl = "http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/getplaylist-v2/" + movieID + "/183-6881716-0916508"; flashParams.wmode = "transparent"; swfParams.autoPlay = "1"; } if (document.getElementById('cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWduration')) { document.getElementById('cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWduration').style.display='none'; } cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWloadSwf_Core(swfLocation, swfWidth, swfHeight, flashVersion, bgColor, swfParams, flashParams, embedAttributes); return false;}function cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWloadSwf(movieID, playerVersion) { return _cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWloadSwf(movieID, playerVersion);}// ]]>var cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWRollOverImg = new Image();cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWRollOverImg.src = "http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81m3zToHVHS._SX320_PHcustomer-video-vignette_PIvideo-reviews-bottom,BottomLeft,0,43_OU01_PIcustomer-video-play-active,BottomLeft,130,-12_CR0,0,0,0_.png";var cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWpreplay = document.getElementById('cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWpreplayImageId');if (cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWpreplay) { cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWpreplay.onmouseover = function() { cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWpreplay.src = "http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81m3zToHVHS._SX320_PHcustomer-video-vignette_PIvideo-reviews-bottom,BottomLeft,0,43_OU01_PIcustomer-video-play-active,BottomLeft,130,-12_CR0,0,0,0_.png"; } cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWpreplay.onmouseout = function() { cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWpreplay.src = "http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81m3zToHVHS._SX320_PHcustomer-video-vignette_PIvideo-reviews-bottom,BottomLeft,0,43_OU01_PIcustomer-video-play,BottomLeft,130,-12_CR0,0,0,0_.png"; } var node = cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWpreplay.parentNode; var cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWcurrentClick = node.onclick; node.onclick = function () { var head = document.getElementsByTagName("head"); if (head[0]) { var logTag = document.createElement('script'); logTag.type = "text/javascript"; logTag.src = "/gp/customer-media/du/log.html/ref=cm_ciu_vr_mo168H3DUO3I2PW/183-6881716-0916508?ie=UTF8&s=CustomerVideoPlay&p=CustomerImage"; head[0].appendChild(logTag); } if (cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWcurrentClick) { return cv_mo168H3DUO3I2PWcurrentClick(); } }} Length:: 6:01 MinsGina from Haunted Flower reviews the movie "It's Complicated" directed by Nancy Meyers (who directed "Something's Gotta Give" and "The Holiday") and starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. A divorcee becomes the other woman with her ex-husband.[...]

Amy Biancolli

19 May 2012

A movie that's one-third hilarious is better than no thirds at all, but look at the cast: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Doesn't that promise a somewhat larger fraction of laughs?

MLDinTN

19 May 2012

it had some laughs, but...

I find it hard to hope that things work out for a couple of cheaters.Jane and Jake are a divorced couple that go to New York for their son'sgraduation. There, they start an affair. She is single, but he ismarried to a much younger woman whom wants another baby. They go backhome to California and continue the affair. Things get more complicatedwhen Jane begins to date her architect, Adam. After being stood up byJake, Jane thinks she is finally done with him, but it's still not thatsimple.The actors did a good job in this, with Alec Baldwin having the bestcharacter. By the way, he needs to keep his shirt on.FINAL VERDICT: A romantic comedy for senior citizens. It was OK.

18 May 2012

Not So Complicated

This review is from: It's Complicated (DVD) This is a sometimes funny movie wherein a divorced couple Streep and Baldwin have an affair. That part isn't complicated. It's intended to be a comedy and there are spots were it is. but there were other spots that left me feeling embarrassed for Streep. That feeling didn't include Baldwin. He came across as a self-centered cheater since he had remarried. Steve Martin whom Streep becomes interested in as her senses return following the hanky-panky with Baldwin is adequate as a caring suitor; however, his role is actually minor and without any comedy.Overall I was mildly disappointed with the movie.

M-Ishikawa

14 May 2012

Just saw this!

I saw It's Complicated in NY at a FYC screening for guild members. Imust say I had some reservations before watching this film sinceromantic comedy is usually not my cup of tea. Plus the trailer did notlook exceptionally interesting... That being said, I was pleasantlysurprised by this very entertaining and appealing movie helmed by aveteran Nancy Meyers.Although Meryl Streep's performance here is not as showy as in Julie &Julia, her subtle yet plausible comedic acting as a confused divorcéeis pitch-perfect in every scene. It's a no brainer to assume that shewill be competing against herself at Golden Globe.I am sure this film will be a commercial success and it will solidifyMeryl's Oscar chance in March. (way over due!) Also, I am almostcertain Baldwin will earn an Oscar nod. Thank you Universal for theinvitation!

Beth Accomando

14 May 2012

This film about divorce and late blooming romance was so painful that it made my own divorce seem fun.

14 May 2012

Many funny parts in the film

Meryl Streep, as usual, is excellent in this film playing a woman who has been divorced from her husband for over half a dozen years and who has not had relations with a man since that event. Alec Baldwin is given third billing but appears in the movie almost as often as Streep. He plays the ex-husband, who is now somewhat fat, who took up with a young woman with an excellent figure during his marriage, and then divorced Streep to marry her. She has a son who does not get along well with Baldwin. Baldwin is now disillusioned about his marriage and wants to have an affair with Streep. Steve Martin plays a somewhat nerdy man who develops an interest in Streep. All of this is shown very early in the film, which focuses on how Streep and Baldwin interact and whether Martin will win Streep. Streep and Baldwin have three children who are about 20 years old, one of whom is engaged, and we watch their reactions to what develops. There are some very funny episodes in the film.

Colin Covert

13 May 2012

Nancy Meyers never pushes for a hard truth when she can reach for an easy laugh. She's like an industrial device, stamping out 100 percent pure-plastic midlife female fantasy.

13 May 2012

its complicated

i was very entertained. thought the cast melded beautifully without effort, they seemed to be having a fun time together - would not have worked as well with others.glad i've added it to my collection, can watch over and over and enjoy something different each time. especially enjoyed meryl streep - so adaptable - a very accomplished actress.

12 May 2012

Entertaining and enjoyable

I was initially reluctant to see this film because this genre is typically not my thing, but I was surprisingly pleased with this film. You just can't go wrong with Meryl Streep, and Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin also play good roles.The bits of drama are funny (Jack's new wife running off, getting pregnant with someone else's child, and coming back and expecting Jack to raise it as his own) Honestly, Jack let this happen to him, so I can't feel bad for him. The part where he says 'home sweet home' after getting back with his ex wife for one night was hilarious, I was laughing at that part. All through the movie it looks as if Jane and Jack will get back together and I have to admit, I found that disappointing, but the ending had a nice surprise twist which was rather satisfying. Overall a great film.

Sandie Angulo Chen

10 May 2012

Parents will dig this over-50 romcom, but kids won't.

Geoff Berkshire

10 May 2012

Meyers' usually enjoyable brand of glossy escapism fails her here, resulting in a movie that's not nearly complicated enough.

madwomanintheattic

07 May 2012

pro-dope

OK, these people were too comfortable and good-looking (not includingBaldwin's belly)to gain my entire sympathy, but the scene where anearly mummified Steve Allen and an excessively twitchy Meryl Streepshare a joint is better for the legalization of pot than a millionmarches and smoke-ins. I am 74 1/2 years old and think that the movieproves: THE TIME HAS COME, folks. Most of the people I know wouldbenefit enormously from an hour of the giggles, the enhanced vision,and the time-slowing properties of weed. These guys did it just right.Although the movie was polished beyond believability, I appreciated itstake on the complex issues of a post-divorce relationship. And thefuture son-in-law alone was worth the price of admission. I will keepmy eye out for more of that guy even though I can't remember his name.(Is it age or post-ganja brain deficit?)

06 May 2012

another stupid suburban WASP fantasy

Divorced WASP living in very very big homes, all throughout the entire movie seems money was falling from the sky. What year was this? 2009, are'nt we in the midst of a major financial crisis and recession?Story was total fantasy, it is suppose to be a comedy. Is it comedy or fantasy?Meryl Streep tries to look "too good" for someone in that position. Again a fantasy.Conclusion - total waste of time.

Tyy Tad

06 May 2012

funny romp, even with Nancy Meyers writing

I'm convinced Meryl Streep can take Stephenie Meyers's Twilight sagaand turn it into a palpable, romantic tale. At the age of 60, theactress can still make people throw their hard earned cash down in themidst of the Christmas craziness and yearn for the exciting lives thatthe actress effortlessly creates as if she thought of it all herself --never mind a script written by somebody less talented than she.In "It's Complicated," the newest film by director/screenwriter NancyMeyers, Meryl plays a desirable older woman named Jane who findsherself with two suitors looking for her affections. One is Jane'sex-husband (Jake, played by Alec Baldwin), who is coming to therealization that his current wife is no Meryl Streep. The other isAdam, a tender heart played by the usually comically broad SteveMartin. I'll give credit to Nancy Meyers, here: Meryl's got ageappropriate boyfriends -- a rarity in a Nancy Meyers flick.The film has its funny moments. My favorite include the constantlyshocked expressions on John Krasinski's face as he gazes on as hewatches Jane and Jacob meet up for a secret rendezvous at a luxurioushotel. Krasinski plays the future husband of one of Jane's three kids-- all grown. The youngest of Jane and Jacob's children is graduatingcollege, which is why Jane and Jacob find each other drinking into avulnerable stupor that leads into the craziest sex that Jane's hadsince she divorced Jacob ten years ago.Nancy Meyers is usually an acquired taste to me. It's usually theperformances that are better than anything the writer/director can cookup herself. Women in her films are usually waiting around for someexcitement in their lives, which usually always involves a man and agood dicking. Perhaps it is Meryl Streep taking her material and makingit seem completely blameless to any of this film's demographic, but Ionly rolled my eyes a couple times whenever Jane's horny friends thatare completely opposite to the conservative main character talked abouthow Jane needed to get out and get laid before her vagina closed up.And sure, Nancy still cannot resist writing a dramatic scene that takesplace during an intense rain storm. Still, it's a delight to watchMeryl take the film and work with such perennial joy with each scene.Watch as she makes chocolate croissants with Steve Martin that wouldmake even Julia Child approve.Note #1: Cheating with your married ex-husband is crossing the line, nomatter who married the guy first. Thankfully Jane has more sense thanall of her friends and her therapist, that would rather see Jane happythan Jacob's current wife -- who is obviously asking for it. By the endof the film, all the potentially dangerous wires are tucked away to thepoint where you might not even have to mail that hate letter you werewriting Nancy Meyers for the first hour of the film.Note #2: "It's Complicated" is rated R, not for nudity or language, butbecause of drug use (pot) without proper consequences. The M.P.A.A. hasonce again proved their irrelevance, because now some forty-somethingwill think twice about seeing this flick for fear of violence orexcessive use of the "f-word" that usually populates rated R flicks.Plus, the claim that the drug use isn't met with proper consequences isall lies. For one, it shows that, while under the influence, you laughexcessively to the point of embarrassment, and your dancing abilitiesare forever compromised.Rating: *** out of ****

Brian Orndorf

05 May 2012

Mild sedative filled with a good run of giggles and the frightening aim of the A-list cast. Nancy Meyers would be wise to keep corralling this type of acting pedigree. It makes her merlot-stained screenplays more palatable than they have any right to be.

Leslie Gornstein

04 May 2012

Even Streep doesn't seem to know what to do with her character except laugh -- the only person, living or celluloid, in the theater doing so.

Karina Montgomery

04 May 2012

For all the complicatedness of the emotions Streep and Baldwin navigate, it's still a smooth ride to huge grins and hearty guffaws, with excellent performances.