Thursday, May 17, 2012

What to Expect When You're Expecting better than expected

Honestly, I worried going into this film. Lots of characters, no huge star (Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, etc). Will the movie flow well? Will the script be filled with tired old stereotypes? Will the trailer have the only funny parts?

The movie flowed well, meaning it didn't feel extra long. The trailer did have a lot of funny parts, but there are a few surprises, particularly the viral video. But I don't want to spoil that for you. And yes, it's filled with stereotypes. Sometimes it makes it funny. Sometimes it's just sad. But overall, the movie had me laughing after an exhausting work day.

The film looks at five couples about to have babies. In one case, it's a couple unable to conceive, so they opt for adoption. Another is a celebrity couple featured on a dance show similar to Dancing With the Stars. The third is an unexpected pregnancy after a couple decides to stop trying. Happens the fourth couple, having twins, is related to the previous couple. And the last couple having a baby are practically kids.

Then there is a side story of "the dudes," featuring several funny men (Chris Rock, Thomas Lennon). Tons of stereotyping here.

You have to let go that this is not going to be a movie focused on reality. There are bits of it. The last couple, with the unintended pregnancy, have to face a rough reality. But with so many stories, little time is devoted to their issue.

See the trailer:

It's rated PG-13 for PG-13 for crude and sexual content, thematic elements and language. My rating is a C.

And yes, I don't think of either Lopez or Diaz as big stars these days. Banks (Hunger Games), though, is rising and grabbed many funny scenes, as did Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids). And that kid (featured in trailer) playing one of Chris Rock's many kids offered comic relief. It's pathetic what movie makers do to make you laugh, but then again, I laughed.

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