The What to Expect When You’re Expecting books have spent a million years on the bestseller list. Author Heidi Murkoff has definitely found a way to tap into what expecting and new parents are looking for–although the series is not without its detractors, as you seasoned mamas may well know.
In a nutshell, this movie is trying too hard to be all
things to all people. Or at least to all people who have ever been
pregnant, tried to get pregnant, or considered parenthood in one form or
another. And if that sounds like an impossible feat for a movie, that’s
because…well, it is. From an adoption in Ethiopia, to multiple
pregnancies all concurring simultaneously, it’s a bit like watching a
wannabe Love Actually on crack.
said, there are some scenes that are truly laugh out loud funny. The
highlight of the film by far is Chris Rock, who delivers everything you
want from him, and more; probably thanks in part to his own brood at
home. And the fact that he’s just awesome.
considering how talented (and attractive) the cast is and how
absolutely beautiful it all looks. However pretty people aren’t enough
to warrant the cost of two overpriced tickets and a sitter for a night. And I also have to admit more than a little annoyance at whomever decided to write in a miscarriage as a transparently cheap tactic to pull at the heartstrings. Nothing is sacred, I suppose.
I just wish studio folks would stick with comedy or drama, because
dramedies are nearly impossible to pull off. So while yes, there’s some
redeeming laugh value here, I would wait for Netflix or HBO. For the time being,
eat some red vines and rewatch Downton Abbey at home instead. It’s pretty too. –Eva
Sounds like it will be perfect On Demand in the future. I don’t go to see movies much anyway (Did they think about parents with young children and their difficult schedules when aiming at the demographic?), but cuddling on the couch with some Fig Newman’s and tea sounds about right for this one.