Grade: B+ | Genre: Drama Summary: This is an important film highlighting an essential figure in science. His significance wasn't in his findings so much as the influence he had on helping to relax America's Puritanical attitudes on sex. "Let's talk about sex ba-by." Contrary to popular belief Salt-N-Pepa weren't the first ones to get us talking about sex. It was Alfred Kinsey. In the hyper-Puritan times of the 1950s, he published the groundbreaking Sexual Behavior in the Human Male that exploded in the American consciousness with the most comprehensive study of human sexual behavior at the time. Prior to its publication, the commonly held view was that everyone followed the traditional standards of the Puritanical society, and the very few who deviated from these norms lacked the proper moral fiber and willpower. The truth created shockwaves of awe and comfort as people kept asking "am I normal?" In a time that taught abstinence and propagated misinformation about sex, Kinsey flung open the doors to the bedroom to find out just what was going on.

I don't need to tell you that Kinsey (Neeson) was a controversial figure in his time. Hell, he's still a controversial figure. When this movie premiered around the country, several religious groups took to picketing theatres in protest. I guarantee you over 90% of them had never seen the film. It's just sex people. There is nothing to be ashamed of. We all have it, and we all possess our own peculiar quirks when we are between the sheets. This film talks about them in an honest straightforward manner.

This is a chronicle of Kinsey's life. We first meet him as a boy listening to his father preach fire and brimstone, pinning the downfall of civilization on the invention of the zipper. Kinsey grows up forever in a conflicted state of guilt based on his father's warped influence. When he squirms out from under his father's thumb to study biology, Kinsey begins his scientific journey with the study of gall wasps. He is a socially challenged and awkward individual. He doesn't seem to have learned any of societies' social conventions along the course of his life.

Kinsey Starring:Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Chris O'Donnell, Peter Sarsgaard, Timothy Hutton, John Lithgow & Oliver Platt Director: Bill Condon Buy or Rent Kinsey You may also like... Gods and Monsters Sexual Behavior in the Human Male - Alfred Kinsey P.S. Email this article to a friend Sheryl Crow Tour Dates Find when Sheryl will be in your town Tour dates, tickets and information www.SherylCrowTour.com NETFLIX - Rent Movies Only $11.99 a month. No Late Fees. Over 40,000 Titles. Free Trial. www.netflix.com Curves Duluth Discover a Gym Where Women Can Change their Lives 30 Minutes at a Time www.curvesduluth.com

Kinsey certainly wasn't without flaw. Nagging questions concerning his research methods and the representation of his samples have been a persistent criticism of his work. His group of researchers seemed to live in a hedonistic paradise, practicing what they studied. The problem is that for all the science and methodologies, they didn't factor in the impact that love, emotions and betrayal would have. Once Kinsey turns his focus from researcher to activist, the kingdom starts to shift on unstable ground.

This is a very sharp film, but it does have some imperfections. It can be slow moving at times. I think about 15 to 20 minutes could have hit the cutting room floor to give us a much tighter and focused picture. When I first saw this in theatres, I left with the same nagging feeling that I have this time, that something is off. I think it's Liam Neeson. Neeson is a brilliant actor capable of extraordinary performances. The problem in Kinsey is that he doesn't seem comfortable in this role. There isn't that moment where Neeson vanishes, and I only see Kinsey. He's certainly not bad in this role. I just think he wasn't the best fit for the part. Laura Linney was quite good as his wife, Clara, though the gem here is Peter Sarsgaard's Clyde Martin. He is one of the key researchers at the institute, and a bisexual that helps Kinsey explore the other side of his sexuality. Sarsgaard always lands in these curious supporting roles (Shattered Glass, Garden State, Boys Don't Cry), and he is brilliant every time. How long will it be until he starts getting eyed for leading roles?

Sex is obviously a large part of this film, but it's more of a deep educational look rather than anything titillating. The talk of sexuality is very frank and a comfort in the discussion of these matters is essential for viewing this film.

This is an important film highlighting an essential figure in science. It doesn't really matter if his methodologies were flawed, which is still a matter up for debate, because his significance wasn't in his findings as much as his influence on helping to relax America's Puritanical attitudes on sex. For the first time, human sexuality wasn't something to be ashamed of or to feel guilt over. He showed us that it's natural and healthy to want to explore our sexuality. Kinsey also helped promote the true teaching of sexual education, helping to dispel the rumors and myths that were being accepted as fact. In a day and time when we seem to be regressing, as abstinence-only education begins to take emphasis over sexual education, this needs to be a stern reminder of the evils of not educating teenagers on the basics of sex. While abstinence should be presented along with the regular teachings, it should never replace it as Bush is pushing on schools. Teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are essential issues that can't be addressed by sticking our head in the sand. Sex is going to happen. Do you really want to keep our children from the vital education necessary to protect themselves?

Add Kinsey to your DVD collection at Amazon or sock it away in your Netflix queue. For more on the valuable work of the Kinsey Institute, please visit their web site.