Men, Women, and Children

 In the 80's and 90's, Ivan Reitman has had much acclaim as being one of the best comedic directors of that generation, giving us films like “Ghost Busters,” “Twins,” and “Kindergarten Cop.” While he is still working today, he hasn't really given out the same kind of appeal as he did twenty years ago. However his son, Jason Reitman, managed to not only follow in his father's footsteps, but even surpass him, with critically acclaimed films like “Thank You For Smoking,” “Up in the Air,” and one of my favorite films, “Juno.” And this year, he has given us two films: “Labor Day,” which I haven't seen yet, and today's topic, based on the novel by Chad Kultgen, “Men, Women, and Children.”

As an ensemble film, we are told many different stories that happen at the same time, but they all revolve around society's changing with today's internet. It shows us just how less interested we have become of most reality, and how we're constantly dependent on our phones and tablets. The film dives into the themes of loneliness, depression, isolation, puberty, profanity, shame, adultery, over-protective restriction, and even suicide. These themes are perfectly represented in almost all of these stories, and every single one of the cast members do a fantastic job of portraying them.

If I had to choose one story that stuck out with me the most, it would have to be the romance between Kaitlyn Dever and Ansel Elgort. What really cements it in, is that they are parallels of one another, as they both have mothers who never understood them, and they have their own online worlds they exist in to get away from all the crap that is surrounding their lives. And when their worlds are taken from them, they either find true happiness within each other, or feel like there's no where else to turn. The ending of this left me in tears, as it was just one heartbreaking moment after the next. As someone who has been suffering from depression and feeling suicidal, I relate a lot to this. I know how it feels to be treated unfairly or told that your longtime passions or hobbies aren't what others want. If this film does get Oscar recognition, Ansel Elgort is the one that should be nominated for Best Actor. After appearing in “Carrie” last year, then doing this and “The Fault in Our Stars” this year, he has really showcased how good of an actor he can be at such a young age.

As for any runner ups tales, it would have to be with Elena Kampouris and Will Peltz, giving us a depiction on how far people will go just to get noticed or not made a complete joke out of, and what the consequences will be when going too far. While not much can be said about Will Peltz, the main highlight here is Elena Kampouris. I feel like this film should be shown to all those girls forcefully starving themselves. You know what I mean, those girls who think they're fat but they really aren't.

I have to also give props to the story involving Adam Sandler and Rosemarie DeWitt. Not only does this showcase lost desires, years after marriage, but it also turns cliches on their sides, in ways you don't expect them to. And DeWitt and Sandler both give excellent performances to back it all up. I still hold the fact that I'm an Adam Sandler fan, but I do agree with people that he does manage to do better with dramatic work.

Overall, “Men, Women, and Children” is a film I'm glad I got to see. Performances aside, the writing and direction are flawless, and I hope when it comes to theaters nationwide it gets much recognition. Jason Reitman has delivered another great film, with a great cast.

Rating: 10/10