Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Kids Are All Right (2010)

DomePonderingMovieReviewTheKidsAreAllRight What is it about?

A family headed by same-gender parents is turned upside down after the children seek out both of their mother’s sperm donor – their biological father.

Who is in it?

Julianne Moore – Jules

Annette Bening – Nic

Mark Ruffalo – Paul

Mia Wasikowska – Joni

Josh Hutcherson - Laser


Favorite Scene:


The scene where the mothers meet Paul for the first time over lunch.

Favorite Quote:

“Shut the front door”

Review:

The Kids Are All Right is an interesting film that sheds light on a situation that is very peculiar, but exists. As the modern family definition continues to vary, this one lets us in on a family of two mothers who have raised two children through artificial insemination from a sperm donor. The film is very real in the problems the characters face, and the depth of their emotions in dealing with the unorthodox situation. However, it also helps share the story of struggling marriages, as well as the fact that marriages need constant work. Not to mention, the main message (as given away in the title) that same-sex marriages can raise children with the same love and headaches as always.

Despite it’s strong (and somewhat subtle) political message, the film is a good one that is enhanced by it’s actors. Julianne Moore (Jules) and Annette Bening (Nic) are terrific in their roles as two mothers trying to “figure it out” through this new addition to their lives. Their talents shine through as they help define the situation, and add to the overall plot of the film. Mia Wasikowska (Joni) and Josh Hutcherson (Laser) are just as good.

Overall, The Kids Are All Right is an interesting movie that is definitely not a waste of time. The acting is the best part of this movie, and the film reflects that. The only criticism is that the film at times seems a bit more raunchy than it’s R rating. Not a film you let the R rating slip by for the young ones.

Can’t go wrong. Great acting. Interesting plot. Entertaining movie. Recommended.

Grade: 3/5

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Dome Pondering - 2025 Year in Review

2025 brought depth and growth.  In many ways, 2025 provided so many challenges and opportunities, allowing for a deeper, more layered approach to the world we live in. Our world is changing, and often, not for the better. Over the last 365 days, life has been more complex, more exhausting, and is asking so much more of us through these transitions and nuances than it did 365 days ago.  No big deal, right?  But hey, you're here. We're here. And we're going into 2026 much stronger, whether we realize it or not. But before we do, let's bid adieu to 2025.  As always, I'm incredibly gratefu l to those of you who still visit this little speck of the internet that houses my thoughts, rambles, and learnings. Thank you for taking a break from instant dopamine hits and videos, and likely the much cooler options of prepared content and indulging my humbled words. It is much appreciated.  It's the 20th annual - TWENTY YEARS of doing this! - Dome Pondering Year in Review. Le...

Thoughts on John Cena's Final Match - "I'm okay with the tap out."

Wow, he tapped out?! Or did he? We all anticipated the final moment for John Cena in a pro wrestling ring, and what happened this past Saturday left all of us pro wrestling fans with an opinion - did you like the ending?  It was jarring to watch Cena tap out initially. However, as common as "final matches" are beginning to feel as of late (Dudley Boyz and Goldberg in 2025, AJ's announcement that 2026 is his last, and the strong rumor for the same fate for Brock Lesnar in 2026), as pro wrestling fans, we just don't believe yet that wrestling retirements are for real. Because why would we? Nonetheless, we've gotten some unique send-offs that tug on the emotion and mean more AFTER the dust has settled.  I think back to TNA Slammmiversary just this year, in Bubba Ray Dudley "giving up" and allowing himself to be put through the table for the Dudley Boyz send off. In the moment, it seemed awkward and weird. But as time has gone on, the finish has aged really...