Jason Reitman’s new film, Men, Women & Children, is an all-encompassing bummer. Every component warrants a popping of a Prozac, making this the most disappointing film I’ve seen all year.
It starts out so very promising as it hits on a subject that needs to be discussed- The Internet has changed our lives, the universe and everything. It is something that frightens me personally and the first act of the film plays like a horror film. People only communicate through their devices. As three cheerleaders sit making banners for the next pep rally their discussion is two tiered as they utter brief words to one another while texting to each other. Reality.
A fifteen year old is deeply addicted to porn. Imagine a world where your natural pubescent desires lead you to deviant and violent depictions of sex. Gone are the days of sneaking your dad’s Playboy to giggle at boobies with your friends in the garage. Just Google “sexy naked ladies” and follow the rabbit down the hole.
Eating disorders, infidelity, posting “hot” pictures of your teenage daughter “for her fans,” finding out your estranged mother has re-married via a post on Facebook. Issues that have always existed by are heightened by the fact that we have access to anything and everything at all times.
That’s a bummer, man.
Good subject and I was so excited that this was brought to the table BUT after a solid setup everything goes wrong. The film somehow mirrors director Reitman’s career which started out with such a bang but is floundering. Juno and Up in the Air were wonderful films with a unique touch to them but were followed with the lackluster Young Adult and the awful Labor Day. Now with Men, Women & Children Reitman mishandles the material, turning it into a preachy mess. Even though the story sprawls about with multiple plotlines, many of them go nowhere and are one-note. Also, the movie only provides questions with no real answers. Now everything’s ruined. Carry on.
Big time bummer.
To match Reitman’s heavy hands, many of the performances fizzle. Adam Sandler is in “serious” acting mode which means he says little and seems to think even less. His character plays like a much lesser version of his Barry Egan in Punch-Drunk Love as he conveys himself as an idiot with inner turmoil. Jennifer Garner never fleshes out her overbearing mother and the usually delightful Judy Greer struggles with her serious scenes, delivering the most stilted performance of the bunch.
Total bummer.
I will say that the kids do a great job though and give the film what life it has. The cast is rounded out with a group of young unknowns that make the Children worth caring about. And that is some solace as they are most important (and screwed up) bunch.
There is something here that has major importance and weight. I wish that Reitman was the right one to hold up the mirror to the audience. He is not but I hope someone gets it right. I love finding the answers to social problems in films. Someone, tell us what to do to fix it!!! Or post an article on Facebook. We will see it there and may even Share it.