It’s Complicated

English (A)
Cast: Alec Baldwin, Meryl Streep, Steve Martin

Jane Adler (Meryl Streep) is a divorcee in her late 50s. However, she seems perfectly happy until she and her ex-husband Jake (Alec Baldwin), who is now married to a very ‘young’ wife, meet up for their son’s college graduation day. Struck by the old spark they once again have a hot one-night-stand. Now, Jake wants to continue his affair with Jane. However, Jane is in dilemma: Should she become the mistress to her ex-husband or start an earnest relationship with her charming architect Adam (Steve Martin). She must find out where her heart really feels comfortable.

The films’ setting is extremely sophisticated and all credit goes to director Nancy Meyers. The upper class love story is richly depicted with big kitchens and fairytale-like gardens. She is also blessed with three of the best comedians–Streep, Baldwin and Martin. Streep is tender as a sex-deprived woman and she has fun discussing whether woman’s ‘part’ closes after not having sex for long time. Baldwin looks sly and weak as a man who would rather sleep with his ex-wife than with his sexy wife. And Martin also shares some of his funny side in a scene where Adam and Jane are high on marijuana. Adlers’ three grown-up kids are also believable as siblings who would be disturbed at their parents ‘strange’ behaviors over the last few days. The film thus has the some of the best stars playing roles true to their characters.

However, “It’s Complicated” is still weak on substance. This romcom involving middle-aged couples is coated with sweet chocolates like the cakes prepared by Jane. A little filling in the form of ‘blueberries’ and perhaps some ‘jellies’ would make it more memorable.

Review by Robert L Sungte, Deccan Herald