Movie Review: Little Children
Stars (Out of 10): 8.5
One Word Summary: Engrossing

       Too often in movies filmmakers allow their audiences to forget that humans are flawed, and that good people do bad things not because they're bad but simply because they're imperfect. That distinction is at the core of 'Little Children,” the story of imperfect people in the perfect suburban town—perfect aside from the sexual offender who just moved into the neighborhood. The film follows an affair between Sarah, a stay-at-home mom detached from her porn-obsessed husband, and Brad, a stay-at-home dad sick of not wearing the pants in his family solely because he can't seem to pass the bar exam.

       'Little Children” lies halfway between 'American Beauty” and television's 'Weeds.” It is that rare film in which we root for characters to do what we know is wrong because we understand their motives so well. Halfway in the drama has grown so real that Sarah and Brad's happiness is our happiness, and we can't look away, even though we know, as they do, that their romance is destined for trouble.

       More accessible than director Todd Field's first offering—'In The Bedroom”—'Little Children” manages to satirize suburban living without becoming a satire of suburban living. It also succeeds in telling a love story and staying away from the overly trodden tale of lusty affairs ('Closer,” 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape,” etc.). Field's story rings true while avoiding generic archetypes, and his decision to narrate the film with a Nature Channel-like narrator, though surprising, adds depth to his characters and their stories.

       'Little Children” is also fortunate enough to have a spectacular cast. Kate Winslet (who has got to be the most consistent actress in Hollywood) gives an Oscar-worthy performance as a mother and wife tortured by balancing her needs with those of her family. Patrick Wilson does an admirable job as male counterpart, and subtle showings from Jennifer Connelly, Jackie Earle Haley, and Noah Emmerich help add to the suspense and drama.

The Bottom Line is that 'Little Children' is an absolutely engrossing film. It is real human drama from beginning to end, shot beautifully by Field and topped off by great performances from Winslet and company.