Why Can't People Just Talk? Men, Women & Children.

Watch my youtube review HERE!!!

No matter what, no matter when, no matter who there has always been a lack of clear communication between people; whether married, family, dating or just friends. Based on the Chad Kultgen of the same name, Jason Reitman's latest film examines the secret pains and desires of a group of people in a wholesome American town and how even though the world is more connected through technology everyone is still as lonely as before. The film stars an all star ensemble which includes Jennifer Garner, Adam Sandler, Judy Greer, Dean Norris, Rosemarie DeWitt Ansel Elgort, Kaitlyn Dever, J.K. Simmons, Olivia Crocicchia, Travis Tope and the voice of Emma Thompson.

Now Jason Reitman is well known for his witty yet honest view of the world but since Labor Day his wit has changed to earnestness and most critics have seen this as a misstep. I on the other hand enjoyed Labor Day immensely even with all its flaws and though Men, Women & Children finds itself being just as earnest I found myself connecting with it too. Most critics have viewed this film as an attack on technology but I think that is the completely wrong way to view this film; its really about the emotional struggle of many people, struggles we can all relate to on some kind of level.

This is helped by an absolutely fantastic cast and though the film is an ensemble piece Ansel Elgort and Kaitlyn Dever are the stand outs of the film. Adam Sandler also gives his first real performance since Funny People (or Hotel Transylvania if you count animation). With Reitman's strong gift for working with actors he's able create incredibly strong and honest emotions which ring true no matter how earnest or how contrived the situations are. The film is beautifully shot and has a great score/soundtrack but that's a given with Reitman's eye for compositions and ear for music.

Where the film does falter is in its script co-written by Reitman and Erin Cressida Wilson. Though Reitman is able to create honest emotions through his actors the situations to create these moments are taken to the extreme in order to prove the point of the film but it often comes off as contrived  especially because they have to connect the large cast of characters (though not to the extent of Babel or 21 Grams). These contrivances will definitely rub people the wrong way and if you look at the critical response it already has.

But in the end I still really liked Men, Women & Children; though it definitely has its flaws to me an strong emotional experience is more important than flawless film (mostly because I don't believe there's such a thing). Jason Reitman's latest my be overly earnest and rather contrived but there's a real honesty to the emotions it displays and the performances the actors give. Add to that Reitman's strong handle of visuals and music and you have a film that is very emotionally affecting even though it is rather flawed.

4 out of 5 stars.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.