Little Children

This film really captured me right from the start, although it has a similar tone to Todd Field's other film "In The Bedroom" this movie is very different. Over a somewhat long hiatus since his last film Todd Field comes out with another movie that gets recognized at the Academy Awards without winning anything. The film reminds me a little of "The Royal Tenenbaums" in the way that the story is told about many different people who are all somewhat connected and by the way it is narrated. The narrator takes you through this journey of lives unfulfilled, of people who feel that they are missing something despite their living in the perfect "American Dream" suburb community. The story, Sarah (Kate Winslet) is tired of her regular life and routine and her distracted husband. She has a beautiful daughter that she loves very much but there is still something missing. Brad, (Patrick Wilson) is the answer to her question. He is the "perfect"dad who is very handsome whom the other suburban women refer to as the "prom king." He has similar feelings of wanting to get away and things transpire from there. There are other stories also going on at this time, the largest one being of a registered sex offender, returning home to live with his mother also with a less then welcoming from the rest of the community. The movie seems very real. There are women and people like this, I live in the suburbs, I would know. People do not realize it. I think everyone has a feeling that there is more to life then this and they try and fill this gap with marriage, children, drugs, alcohol, or false religions. Anything to make them feel better. This makes the movie very realistic and close to home for almost anyone seeing the movie. The film is also unique in the way that it remains funny and somewhat a comedy but at the same time can be so emotional and serious. The acting all around is perfect. Every single actor from this all star cast gives their best with the stand outs being the nominated actors Kate Winslet and Jackie Earle Haley however, any of these actors could have gotten a well deserved nomination. What I like about this movie is that you really care and you really relate. if you walked in on someone else watching the film it would be understandable to think "This is boring." You need to watch it from beginning to end to really get in the mood and understand. I am very excited fir more Todd Field films to come because he has proved himself to be a great filmmaker. "In The Bedroom" is also a fantastic film packed with great performances. I think Field really brings out the best in his actors. This movie is so emotionally deep and funny but ends at a point where you are at the edge of your seat and on the verge of screaming. The movie isn't for the faint of heart or for those who do not want to take some of these questions about life seriously. The film may be called, "Little Children" but i assure you it is not for the children. Your children should be in bed during this movie but do not let that stop you from watching it because there are great things to be gotten from this movie.

5 out of 5 Stars