“It’s Complicated” Is Actually Really Not That Complicated

I’m a second-career-Alec Baldwin fan (tremendous in “30 Rock”) and you always have to respect Meryl Streep, so “It’s Complicated” was a flick that it would at least be bearable. There was at least a semi-original plot involved, what with Baldwin’s character being married to a hottie, yet still pursuing an affair with Streep as his longtime ex-wife. There was something mildly poignant in the shyness of seeing how former lovers had changed over the years and having the list of medications you’re on listed in front of this person who was once so familiar.

However, the movie seemed to be filled with missed opportunities. Despite some interesting looks at the dynamic of trying put back together an original nuclear family after so many years, “It’s Complicated” seemed to dwell on pretty obvious jokes. It also relied WAY too much on physical humor that is not at all funny—namely, showing old people that are showing too much skin and having sex scenes that succeed only in being creepy and nausea-inducing.

Steve Martin had a throwaway role that didn’t take advantage of his comedic talents, and dear crikey did he look old, to the point where it was actually a bit stunning. John Krasinski was on hand again as the son-in-law, but I’m just still not seeing what he brings to the table beyond his expected “OMG” faces. [On a side note, it was humorous to see one of Seinfeld’s old girlfriends, “Schmoopie,” who he turned his back on in favor of the Soup Nazi, pop up as one of Streep’s friends in the flick.] One of the kids from “Weeds” (Hunter Parrish) was also in the cast, which is ironic since perhaps the movie’s best scene came when Streep and Martin get stoned at a party, along with Krasinski (accidentally). For about 10 minutes, the flick became absolutely delightful, and I still maintain that the movie would have been much, much better had they filmed the entire thing that way.

Beyond that, however, director Nancy Meyers seems to play it safe and take very few chances, which is a shame since the premise was there for originality, which is so lacking in Hollywood. Baldwin comes off as more sad than funny and Streep continues to be one of those actors who seems to get by on her reputation even in a forgettable vehicle.

Outside of a few funny moments, the gross-ity factor of old people having a physical affair and the perception of a lost opportunity will always define this movie for me. What could have been memorable quickly turned forgettable and what could have brought on guffaws settled for shrugs, complicating what could have been simple, good entertainment.