The Kids Are All Right

The kids are better than all right, they're terrific. So are their lesbian moms, played with insight and skill by Annette Bening and Julianne Moore. Trouble is, the film that surrounds them turns out to be less than compelling stuff despite its topicality. The sperm donor responsible for the family at hand is played by Mark Ruffalo, and although a talented fellow, his character has enough foibles to keep him emotionally distant from the viewer. The story of his introduction to this modern family goes in a couple of directions, but all feel familiar and none satisfactory. Terrific premise, but unfulfilled promise.