Is It Complicated? Or Just Hilarious...

Nat and I ended up in "It's Complicated" last week, the new comedy for mature adults. This is yet another vehicle for the ultra incredible Meryl Streep to show off how fantastic an actress she really is...and she really, really is. Now, Meryl was in some great company with this film. Steve Martin, playing a subdued, vulnerable architect, love interest and Alec Baldwin, playing her emotionally challenged and egocentric ex husband.
First, I have to acknowledge that the script written by Nancy Meyers is fantastic. Not overly fluffy or sentimental, but realistic, charming and so, so funny. It was like being a fly on the wall of their home/hotel room/bathroom whatever and watching this craziness take place. While I understand that it's a challenge to find decent stories for actors/actresses who are over 50 years old in Hollywood - this was such a wonderful surprise and exception to that. There are scenes in the film that I still replay in my mind which makes me laugh out loud and I saw the film over a week ago.
The actors who play the three adult children in the film are also great. Meyers created good supporting roles in a really great comedy. The one addition that I must mention that stands out is John Krasinski, who plays the older daughter's fiance - he steals the show sometimes and standing out next to Meryl, Steve and Alec is quite a feat.
The story is about Jane (Meryl), who's been divorced for 10years from her cheating ex husband Jake (Alec). She has just become an empty nester, with her last daughter leaving the house, her son graduating from college and is now ready financially and emotionally to do some much needed renovations on her home...in steps Adam (Steve). When Jake's second wife can't make it to the graduation, Jake and Jane end up in a "complicated" situation which then throws the poor woman into a bit of a tizzy. What does she do? How does she handle it? It's not only complicated...it's incredibly hilarious.
I really enjoyed this film. I enjoyed it so much that I saw it a second time with my husband....and I have to say...it was still hilarious the second time around. The chemistry between the leads is electric and they play off each other in a very relaxed manner, as if they have been doing this together for years and years. This is one of my favorite comedies this year. Not blatant and in your face as The Hangover, but it challenged me to think of how funny regular life with normal people can be without crazy, over the top situations like The Hangover. Life is complicated, overwhelming, unfair, sweet and different for everyone. Sometimes all you need is a decent chocolate croissant when you are stoned and then it really becomes hilarious.