IT’S COMPLICATED: Written and directed by Nancy Meyers

(B)            This film was just the escape I needed from the multiple problems of the day, --from an unstable economy to terror threats. I relaxed and let myself thoroughly enjoy the amusing and comical version of divorce and the ever-classic love triangle.  Alec Baldwin stole every scene he was in.   I thought the children were cast very well, especially the son-in-law played by John Krasinski from tv’s The Office.  I suggest you see the movie before dinner (if dinner and a movie are the plan).   The food prepared and served in this film makes you want to sit down and join them.   You can always grab a bite afterward and talk about the film. This movie could have used a different actor for the part of the architect, played by Steve Martin. Martin was miscast in this flick.  When a dramatic actor is funnier than a comedian, something’s wrong.  I recommend this movie and give it 3 binoculars.

(G) This two hour thirty minute film was mostly a pleasurable experience for me, except that it was just too long. I have to say that this did not seem to be the case for several rows of women who laughed hysterically throughout the film, especially at Meryl Streep’s subdued facial mugging.  Streep played the same character that she did in Mama Mia (and I contend, virtually everywhere else) and this seemed to delight most of the audience as this actress has a tendency to do.  I am not, however a big fan because to me, for some reason she always seems to be “acting” and not really in the story of the moment. I admit, this is probably more my problem that it is hers.  Anyway, Alec Baldwin really steals the show as his self-absorbed, twelve-year-old-in-a-senior’s-body character (also a mainstay for this actor) was just so perfectly played. Steve Martin is as subdued as you’ve ever seen him and I question whether the persona he’s created was a hindrance in my acceptance of his contribution. Overall, the film has a “chick-flick” quality that I believe is the result of a woman-on-a-mission writer/director.  I appreciated an obvious attempt NOT to rely entirely on neat and expected outcomes to the usual themes and therefore give this one two and one-half binoculars.