IT'S COMPLICATED REVIEW

IT'S COMPLICATED
Director: Nancy Meyers
Cast: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin
Screenplay: Nancy Meyers
Running time: 120 min
Rating: M
***1/2/*****

MENOPAUSAL ROMANCE HAS NEVER LOOKED

LIKE SO MUCH FUN

It's a shame that middle age romcoms don't appear in the marketplace more often as they consistently prove to be more intelligent, thoughtful and of a much finer caliber than the horrendous run of the mill offerings featuring egomaniacal twenty-something starlets looking for an easy hit, a big paycheck and an excuse to strut around their overly aerobicised buts in skimpy outfits.

It's Complicated tells the story of Jane Adler (Streep) who after a drunken night out unintentionally rekindles the romance with her now married ex-husband Jake (Baldwin). Jane is confused about the nature of her feelings, not to mention being both horrified and a little elated at the fact that she is now the other woman. Further complications arise when, much to Jake's chagrin, Jane developes a crush on her architect Adam (Martin). Jane must figure out her emotions before she loses both men altogether.

Director Nancy Meyers last foray into the menopausal romance genre is the modern classic Something's Got To Give and whilst It's Complicated doesn't quite reach the same heights it is nevertheless irrefutably enjoyable. Meyers is something of a pioneer of the middle aged romcom, having had a hand in some of the finest films the genre has to offer (Father of the Bride, Private Benjamin, Baby Boom). Her films are consistently more layered than the usual boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back romcom shtick, often exploring issues effecting a demographic that are harshly rejected by most of mainstream Hollywood.

From sagging body parts to empty nesting, the effects of divorce and impotance, the menopausal romance genre explores what happens after the happy ending. As such these films have a much more emotional subtext to them because they manage to hit nerves that vapid romantic comedies can't help but miss. It's Complicated is a unique mixture of soaring comedic highs and surprisingly poignant interludes. One moment you are doubled over with laughter as Steve Martin inadvertantly receives a rather unflattering close up of Alec Baldwins wang and then you're bought sharply back to reality with Jake and Jane having a rather touching discussion about the their failed marriage. It's Complicated is also unique in the fact that right up until the end you are not quite sure who Jane will end up with and can't even make up your own mind about the situation. Both Jake and Adam seem to fulfill different needs in Jane and it's a credit to Streep's chemistry with her two leading men that you actually wish she could be with them both.

Meyers once again surrounds herself with a dream cast of Hollywood royalty, and with good reason. Streep is as flawless as always and an excellent choice for a romcom protagonist, especially considering she is one of the only actresses in Hollywood who can command universal good will from womankind. Her relatability and likability in the role is one of the main contributors of It's Complicated success. Equally likable is the utterly hilarious Alec Baldwin who can elicit the giggles with the arch of an eyebrow. Baldwin is a natural born comedian who is so successful at walking the fine line between subtlety and slapstick that he manages to rival comedy legend Steve Martin in the laughs department. Martin does well with the chances for comedy he is given (pot hasn't seemed this funny since Jeff Spicoli) but he inhabits a more mature and grounded persona than in previous outings (cough..pink panther). Rounding out the cast is The Office star John Krasinski as Streep's future son in law Harley. Although the part is small Krasinski nevertheless delivers the goods.

It's Complicated is not the most exciting or unique film experience you will have this year but it's sure to be one of the most charming, and there is nothing complicated about that. THREE AND A HALF STARS