It's Complicated and The Road

I have alot to do and that means that I'm seeing alot of movies.  And watching Family Guy.  Family Guy is so funny.

And while I am dying to both understand why the words "Bullock" and "Oscar buzz" keep appearing in the same sentence and ascertain how offensive The Princess and The Frog is supposed to be (I know I'm supposed to be self-righteously insulted by it. But how much?),  I ended up seeing It's Complicated and The Road.

Here's my four word review of It's Complicated: Meryl Streep food porn.

Before I go any further, I need to disclaim that I am incapable of disliking any film that has Meryl Streep or Steve Martin in it.  And a film where they get high together at a party?  How did you think of that, Nancy Meyers?  Are you as smart as Nora Ephron? 

I personally enjoyed It's Complicated.  But I think we're all in agreement when we ask, "Why the hell does Meryl Streep have to be surrounded by stunning food at all times?"

Memo to screenwriters: Meryl Streep will only do your movie if you have a billion dollar food budget.  But if you have a billion dollar food budget, she will do your movie.

I'm almost certain that It's Complicated was written for the sole purpose of using deleted scenes from Julie & Julia.  There is no other way to explain a chocolate croissant-rolling montage.  

It's Complicated sets out to answer life's unsolvable question, which is: what would happen if someone with the perfect life went slightly outside her comfort zone?  And what if the stakes were really low and her children were blonde and attractive?  And on top of all that, what if she had the most gorgeous kitchen island known to man? 

I personally find this to be way, way more intense than having to decide which of your two children will live.  I applaud you, Meryl Streep. I applaud you for your growth.

So you should see It's Complicated, if only to witness the 90s Love Interest Reunion.  That's what I call the scenes where Rita Wilson, Mary Kay Place, and Alexandra Wentworth "banter" with Meryl Streep over "dip."  Sort of like Sex and the City if each cast member were as memorable as Bill Pullman.

 So in sum, It's Complicated: The inspiring story of a woman whose food is too pretty.   

Basically, The Road is is that one annoying person you know who is always depressed.  Yes, their problems are legitimate.  Yes, they got evicted from their apartment and their dog ran away.  But it's also like....really? Again?  


I am in no way deep enough to appreciate The Road and its grim take on the future of humanity.  I haven't read the International section of any newspaper in about four years.  But if you like gray, depressing, horrifying post-apoloclyptic stories, cannabalism and relentless fear -- and anguished screams. Let's not forget the anguished screams -- you will like The Road.  The whole thing was so depressing I almost stopped thinking about those dresses I saw on UrbanOutfitters.com. 

I've got to say, though -- nothing looks quite as groundbreaking as that new Ben Stiller movie.  Guys -- he plays a risk-adverse guy whose world is rocked by a free-spirited woman!  And you thought it would never happen.