Top 100 Most Anticipated Films of 2010: Lisa Cholodenko’s The Kids Are All Right

#81. The Kids Are All Right

Director: Lisa Cholodenko
Writer(s): Stuart Blum and Cholodenko
Producers: Gary Gilbert, Jordan Horowitz, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray
Distributor: Rights Available.

The Gist: Scripted by Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg, amidst the modern day backdrop of the Los Angeles suburb of Sherman Oaks, the story begins with a glimpse into the convergent lifestyles of a lesbian couple, Nic and Jules (Benning, Moore) along with their two teenage children, Joni (Wasikowska) and Laser.….(more)

Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo and Annette Bening.

Why is it on the list?: I appreciate her female perspective, the fact that Cholodenko doesn’t place filters on her characters and one gets the sense that she aims for authentic portrayals. I’ve found things I liked in both her breakout pic High Art and Laurel Canyon, but I’m left with the impression that see has yet to deliver her full potential as a filmmaker who we really don’t get to see enough of — has anyone seen Cavedweller? There is a rich cast, I’m on an Annette Bening “high” since Mother & Child, and indie vets Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo tend to not disappoint when they stick to contempo dramedies.

Release Date/Status?: Last minute addition to Sundance 2010 – this will find a buyer and then find a release date sometime this year.