It’s Complicated

There’s little doubt that It’s Complicated comes off as an almost prototypical Nancy Meyers production, as the film possesses many of the elements one has come to expect from her work – including characters that are almost uniformly affluent, an emphasis on relationships (and the various problems that ensue therein), and a running time that’s at least a half hour too long. The plot follows successful baker Jane (Meryl Streep) as she embarks on an affair with her ex-husband (Alec Baldwin’s Jake), with the coupling inevitably complicated by Jane’s attraction to a down-to-earth architect (Steve Martin’s Adam). It’s worth noting that It’s Complicated generally sustains the viewer’s interest from start to finish, as Meyers does a nice job of heightening the unapologetically light-hearted atmosphere with a sporadic emphasis on comedic interludes that are undeniably quite funny (eg Jane and Adam get stoned before heading out to a party). The impressively charismatic work of the movie’s various performers certainly goes a long way towards perpetuating the affable atmosphere, with the stars’ compelling work backed up by an impressively diverse supporting cast that includes Zoe Kazan, Lake Bell, and John Krasinski (with the latter’s effortlessly scene-stealing turn as Jane’s harried son-in-law an obvious highlight). The movie’s less-than-dense storyline ultimately proves its most overt deficiency, however, as Meyers’ meandering modus operandi ensures that It’s Complicated demonstrably begins to run out of steam as it passes the one-hour mark – although, to be fair, the admittedly uneven vibe can’t quite dampen what is otherwise an affable and downright breezy romcom romp.

**1/2 out of ****