Plot
A group of high school teenagers and their parents attempt to navigate the many ways the Internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives.
Storyline
Men, Women and Children follows the story of a group of high school teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives. The film attempts to stare down social issues such as video game culture, anorexia, infidelity, fame hunting, and the proliferation of illicit material on the internet. As each character and each relationship is tested, we are shown the variety of roads people choose - some tragic, some hopeful - as it becomes clear that no one is immune to this enormous social change that has come through our phones, our tablets, and our computers.
Writers: Chad Kultgen, Jason Reitman
Cast: Ansel Elgort -
Tim Mooney
Adam Sandler -
Don Truby
Jennifer Garner -
Patricia Beltmeyer
Emma Thompson -
(voice)
Judy Greer -
Joan Clint
Kaitlyn Dever -
Brandy Beltmeyer
Dean Norris -
Kent Mooney
Dennis Haysbert -
Rosemarie DeWitt -
Helen Truby
J.K. Simmons -
Elena Kampouris -
Allison Doss
Olivia Crocicchia -
Hannah Clint
David Denman -
Phil LaMarr -
School Shrink
Kathrine Herzer -
Lauen
(as Katherine Herzer)
I recently got to see Men, Women, and Children, the newest feature from
Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air) and co-writing partner Erin
Cressida Wilson (Chloe) based on the novel of the same name by Chad
Kultgen.
The film is an ensemble drama, about the effect the internet and
technology has had on relationships, intimate or otherwise. They're no
groundbreaking original story lines. There is a Romeo (Ansel Elgort)
and his Juliet (Kaitlyn Dever). A marriage is on the rocks (Adam
Sandler and Rosemarie Dewitt). An overbearing mother trying to control
her daughter (Jennifer Garner). An unwitting parent trying to live
through her child (Judy Greer and Olivia Crocicchia). A newly single
parent trying to connect with his video game addicted son (Dean Norris
and Ansel Elgort). An impressionable teenage girl dealing with severe
body image issues.
All of the actors did a proficient job. Adam Sandler was excellent, in
his first straight drama role since Reign Over Me (or Funny People, if
you'd count that). Ansel Elgort and Kaitlyn Dever had both breakout
performances. Each of their characters plights will your break your
heart, and leave you rooting for them. And most of all, Jennifer Garner
was as good as I've seen her in years. She did such an incredible job
to make me hate her character as much as I did.
It's a linear story from a big studio with an independent feel.
Emotional fireworks are few in this movie. Some of the quieter moments
feel the loudest.
This story is timeless. Nobody understands technology in this world.
Not the teenagers who superficially know how to use it, and not the
parents who are mostly right to be afraid of it. No one understands it.
Every character in this story believes the internet can solve their
problems. They are searching for a way to mask their wounds. It's
ironic that the internet provides anonymity, but those who search for
it most crave human connection.
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