The Kids Are Alright: Is Alright

A little forced, in my opinion, contrived would be a better word. Specifically, the lesbian characters who are the stereotypical California lesbians to a tee. When they had their hands in their pant pockets, they seemed awkward so it was a mix of too much stereotype and actors with little experience playing that role. When I put my hands in my pockets, I look gumpy but natural because I do it a lot but when Bening did it, it looked like the director had to remind her every time. Moore was better, but I guess I like her acting moore any way;) I think that, this being a first of Hollywood's Lets-get-comfortable-with-gay family movies, it came off as trying way too hard to feel natural. What I did like about the story was that the children both emulated the parent who was not the parent that everyone compared them too. The son, who was less academic or "lost" was quick to judge their biological father, while the girl clearly wanted to be more open-minded and accepting of him. Though this was never discussed, I think this behavior was meant to show that children will pick up the behaviors of the parent who they admire more. The son felt criticized by his doctor mother and so he, in an innocent way, admired her. The daughter was growing out of this phase and was sick of the pressure put on her by this mother and so she admired Moore more. Parents have a lot of influence on their children's mentality and behavior.