This past weekend, while my mom visited, we went and saw the latest Meryl Streep movie, "It's Complicated." (Though it's hard to say what is the 'latest' since she does so many films). My mom is a big Meryl fan, so I knew taking her to see this while she visited was the thing to do. She was not too thrilled with the thought of seeing "Avatar."
The film is a romantic comedy larded with predictable formula, but it was entertaining for a one time shot. If it weren't for the actors in the film--notably Meryl, this would have sucked, since the writing was not good enough to sustain itself on its own. Steve Martin takes on a new type of character, in that, he is shy and reserved and not the usual Steve Martin. So in other words, he has to act. Also, Roger Ebert noted the ridiculous size of her fancy house--even when we left the theatre I asked my mom, "How does a baker afford such a large house in California?" I mean, the property taxes have to be through the roof.
There is a funny scene where Alec Baldwin (Meryl's ex that she is having the affair with) and she are fooling around in a hotel room. He, in turn, passes out, and has to call a doctor. When the doctor arrives, he informs him that he is on Flomax, a drug that is known for a "decrease in semen." Then Alec adds, "This isn't good for my wife," (referring to his young wife who wants to get pregnant)--but the doc thinks that the 60ish Meryl is his wife. Meryl, in turn, responds with: "I prefer lots of semen."
It is nice that some movies are being geared for an older audience (in terms of casting) but this is one of those popcorn movies you watch once and never bother having to watch again. This isn't "Another Woman," after all.
