# Release Date: Jul 09, 2010
# Rated: [Rated r] strong sexual content, nudity,
language and some teen drug and alcohol use
# Runtime: 1 hr. 44 min.
# Genres: Comedy, Comedy
# Director: Lisa Cholodenko
# Cast: Julianne Moore , Annette Bening , Mark Ruffalo , Mia Wasikowska , Josh Hutcherson .
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this witty, worldly dramedy about a lesbian couple whose teenage children decide to acquaint themselves with their sperm-donor father deals frankly (and compassionately) with all of the complications that could arise in that situation -- including marital discord, infidelity, biological identity, nature vs. nurture, and letting go of a child on the brink of adulthood. Thanks to those themes and some other fairly mature content -- including partial nudity (breasts, buttocks) during sex scenes, clips from a pornographic movie, swearing, and teenage drinking and drug use -- The Kids Are All Right is best for older teenagers and adults.
* Families can talk about the troubles that Nic and Jules face as parents and partners. What does the movie say about relationships and parenting?
* What makes someone a good parent? How does the media typically portray parents? Do the parents in this movie seem more or less realistic to you than those in other movies/TV shows? Why?
* How does the movie portray teen drinking and drug use? Are there consequences for the behavior? What do you think would happen in real life?
I think the biggest thing parents need to know about this movie is they and their teens are highly unlikely to see it. It was released 2 weeks ago at 7 theaters and expanded last week to 38. It is not destined for your nearest megaplex, it’s an arthouse movie, and most folks don’t even know where their local arthouse is much less actually go there and watch movies.