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It's Complicated

By Bob on August 1, 2010 9:15 AM

Now that I've seen It's Complicated I officially forgive Meryl Streep for Mama Mia! Because, as bad as that movie was (c'mon you know it was a stinker) It's Complicated is that GOOD.

 

Funny thing about It's Complicated is that it really isn't. The movie is light, breezy and full of good dialogue and characters you'll like. It's dinner with a great group of friends -- easy to understand since everyone speaks the same language.

 

Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) are a happily divorced couple living in sunny California where everyone is back-lit, drives expensive cars and lives in rambling Spanish ranch houses that cost $15 million. What recession?

 


He's a man torn between two covers -- splitting his time between late night booty calls and his bitchy younger wife.

 

She's the owner of a successful bakery (good thing she knows how to channel Julia Child) and he's a successful corporate lawyer. Both are Boomers and their family - immediate and extended - includes three grown children, one young wife (Baldwin's second) and a precocious pre-schooler.

 

Their cute meet (this is after all a ROMANTIC COMEDY) is in a New York restaurant bar. Before you can say BOINK, they are. The embers of Jane and Jake's long dead romance burst into flame, or as Jane confesses to her girlfriends later, "Turns out I'm a bit of a slut".

 

Writer/director Nancy Meyers' (Something's Gotta Give, Baby Boom) wonderful script is a delight to the ear and it's full of throwaway lines that linger long after the credits roll.

 

And roll is exactly what Jane and Jake do. Meyers seems on a mission to prove that Boomers can have great sex (thanks Nancy!) and she has Streep and Baldwin bedding down until Baldwin passes out (cue the Flowmax joke).

 

This pass out causes Jane to pause and question just how not-fun it is to be the other woman. Jake isn't having much luck himself. He's a man torn between two covers -- splitting his time between late night booty calls and his bitchy younger wife. Now it's all becoming, well, complicated.

 

Complicating things even more are Jane's feelings for her architect Adam (in a lighter-than-air performance by the always wonderful Steve Martin). Adam's divorced, too. And his rebound becomes a full court press for Jane's affection.

 

It's refreshing to see Boomers NOT reduced to stereotypes or punch lines. These are real people and you'll really like the (121 minutes) time you spend with them. Thankfully, Meyers resists the urge to tie a neat Hollywood ending on this beautiful romantic comedy. The conclusion is satisfying, but doesn't do all the thinking for you.

 

It's Complicated is easy to love. It has wit, charm and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

 

What's not to like?

 

The Boomer Brief recommends Netflix for your movie rentals.  The monthly rental packages start at only $4.99 - and you can cancel at any time.

 

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Guest Room

Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

Continue Reading »

Playing Favorites

Windy City

It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.

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