Streep Has ‘Complicated’ Decision Between Baldwin, Martin

It’s Complicated

2009

film review

by Mandy Rodgers

Rated: R

Director: Nancy Meyers

Starring: Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, John Krasinski, Lake Bell, Mary Kay Place, Rita Wilson and Hunter Parrish

For the past several years, it is often uttered in film communities and theaters, “Is there anything Meryl Streep can’t do?” After her last couple of roles ranging from the evil Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada), to the sing-songy Donna Sheridan (Mamma Mia), to the virtuous Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Doubt) and finally to this year’s iconic Julia Child (Julie & Julia), it’s no wonder she’s the most Oscar nominated actress in history.

In her latest outing, Streep might not act menacing or dance around a beautiful locale, but she still shines, proving that she can also portray the everywoman and someone her fans and peers can identify with.

Meyers directed and wrote It’s Complicated, a romantic comedy in the same vein of her previous films Something’s Gotta Give and What Women Want. She focuses her works on middle-aged women, their struggles and romantic conflicts. Meyers and Streep are actually the same age (both turned 60 last year), so she must know this demographic well.

Jane (Streep) is a divorcee past the point of wallowing in self pity but not quite relishing in her free sexuality. Her ex-husband Jake (Baldwin) cheated on her with the younger Agness (Bell) and then married the other woman who now wants to get pregnant again. (She has one child already.)

The two have been divorced for 10 years, so now can be cordial at special events. The rancor and deep anger has subsided, but the relationship is strained. Jane keeps herself busy with her bakery (two films in a row Streep plays a cook of some sort—did she miss her calling?) and the major project of building an addition to her Santa Barbara home with the help of architect Adam (Martin).

On a family trip to watch their eldest son graduate college, Jane and Jake find themselves at the same hotel bar all alone. He comments on her hair, she continues to chug wine and before they realize their ‘80s dance moves are outdated, they have fallen into bed together.

It seems the uncomfortable couple somehow managed perfect sex—Jake is ecstatic and glowing. But reality rears its head as Jane throws up in the nightstand drawer, and the audience appreciates Meyers’ honest story.

From that fateful night Jane has a crisis of consciousness and struggles to determine if her emotions for Jack and the affair are left over from the defunct marriage or could be something genuine. She consistently yields to his charm but mostly with deep consternation. All the while, Jane is getting to know super-sweet Adam, creating her current conundrum. Cause, hey, it’s complicated.

The plot lends itself to complication, but the movie does not push into any confusing directions. Jake is quite obnoxious, and how he was ever married to plucky Jane in the first place is the real question. And why did he wander to Agness, one of the most lukewarm mistresses in film history?

The material covers perhaps a popular subject to consider after ending a long-term relationship but from loathe to lust to love in five minutes flat seems highly improbable.

Meyers’ script is amusing and Streep carries the movie on her brilliant radiance, but somewhere this talented cast stumbles a little. Martin remains subdued, something he decently plays but leaves us longing for at least a slight pizzazz. Also, to have an R rating, It’s Complicated is extremely tame aside from a too-long scene involving weed, which begins splendidly but quickly wears out the gag.

            A little predictable, It’s Complicated finds a fresh spin on the story through Strasinski’s character Harley, fiancée to the rekindling couple’s older daughter. He unwittingly witnesses the duo’s rendezvous and wishes he could forget what he saw immediately. Jake and Jane’s actual children leave little impression, but more focus on Harley would have elevated the movie.

            Still, after It’s Complicated it’s hard not to understand the draw to Streep’s movies. I’m starting to agree with the flamboyant and Streep-loving Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) in ABC’s new sitcom “Modern Family,” when he said “Excuse me, Meryl Streep could play Batman and be the right choice. She’s perfection. Whether she’s divorcing Kramer, whether she’s wearing Prada…don’t even get me started on ‘Sophie’s Choice.’” You’re right, Cameron.