Determined To Succeed

It’s Not Complicated to Like “It’s Complicated” – Three Buckets of Popcorn out of Four

Have you ever wandered through an art gallery and wondered why beautiful works of art can sometimes have such generic and silly names. Like “fruit in bowl,” or something like that. Well, the same is true in Hollywood when it comes time to name their “works of art,” the movies.

I want the job at studios to come up with these generic, middle-of-the-road but resonant titles for films. Take for example the ones that pop immediately into my brain:

“Something’s Gotta Give”

“As Good As It Gets”

“Anywhere But Here”

“Nobody’s Fool”

“Where The Heart Is”

All of these are examples of titles ripped from the headlines of life, clichés and catch phrases we use around the water-cooler. Hence why they are called upon to be movie titles. Easy recognition of the basic plot (or feel) of the film.

Now we have “It’s Complicated,” a film that is way better than its title-us genericus.

During her son’s college graduation, Jane (Meryl Streep) hooks up with her ex-husband, Jake (the hilarious Alec Baldwin), who’s married to a younger, yet higher-maintenance woman (Lake Bell). During the process of being her ex’s mistress Jane also finds herself attracted to her architect, Adam (Steve Martin).

Movies like this are so easy. You know what you’re getting as soon as you see the previews. Hell, even the poster alludes to the hilarity that ensues during Streep’s relationship with Baldwin (who is sure to be Oscar-nominated for Best Supporting Actor in this role). But any film that knows what it is and doesn’t try to be more is OK in my book, no matter what genre it rests. This movie is no exception. Light-hearted romantic comedy – check. Likeable, attractive stars – check. Obligatory set-ups for hilarious situations – check. Mid-point conflict – check. Resolution – check.

See, no surprises. The charm of this film lies in its cast. Streep is so easy to like and she is radiant in the role of Jane. Baldwin is awesome and Jake and Steve Martin in this film reminds me why I like him as a performer. He has a great ability to be way over the top or as low key/forgettable as he needs to be – a sign of a good actor. And he is very charming as a divorced man getting his dating legs back with Jane. But the one who almost steals the movie is “The Office’s” John Krasinski as Streep’s son-in-law. His delivery of lines and looks given the actions around him is priceless.

Is this film high art? No. It’s cheesy Hollywood-y “rom-com” but it’s actually worth the price of admission, especially for a light break on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

And like I said sometimes bland titles lead to some pretty enjoyable works of art.

Rated R for some drug content and sexuality

Runtime: 120 min

Meryl Streep     …         Jane

Steve Martin     …         Adam

Alec Baldwin    …         Jake

John Krasinski   …         Harley

Lake Bell          …         Agness

Mary Kay Place            …         Joanne

Rita Wilson       …         Trisha