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Baby Mama Review

Movies.com Critics

4.0

Dave White Profile

… made me laugh from beginning to end. Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    55

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 50

    out of 100

    The New York Times Manohla Dargis

    The film never comes fully to term, as it were: the visual style is sitcom functional, and even the zippiest jokes fall flat because of poor timing. But, much like the prickly, talented Ms. Fey, it pulls you in with a provocative and, at least in current American movies, unusual mix of female intelligence, awkwardness and chilled-to-the-bone mean.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

    The show is redeemed by its co-stars, up to a point. They struggle womanfully, and sometimes successfully, to find truth in the script's silly symphony of false notes.

    Read Full Review

  • 60

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Carina Chocano

    The movie hardly allows itself any sharp moments at all -- it's much too sweet-natured to be cruel, and much too cheerful to be angry. It probably could have pushed a few more buttons, but Baby Mama aims to please and succeeds.

    Read Full Review

  • 60

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter Michael Rechtshaffen

    Baby Boom serves up plenty of smart, knowing laughs early on, but by the time it hits the third act (or would that be trimester?), it barely crawls to the finish line.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety Todd McCarthy

    Fey is a delight to watch throughout.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    USA Today Claudia Puig

    Though the competition hasn't exactly been stiff, Fey and Poehler may well be the best female comedy duo since Lucy and Ethel.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

    Although the big picture itself gets mushy, the small moments, especially involving Fey, are sharp.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Baby Mama reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 14+

SNL gals deliver hilarious comedy for teens+.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this comedy is both irreverent and candid in dealing with the topics of infertility, pregnancy, and surrogacy (none of which are probably at the top of teens' "funny subjects" list, so there's a chance they won't be interested, despite the presence of Saturday Night Live veterans Tina Fey and Amy Poehler). Characters make fun of a woman's inability to get pregnant, and one treats pregnancy as a big pain. There's some "white trash" stereotyping involved with Poehler's character, but Angie ultimately proves to be a decent soul. Expect some drinking, references to drug use, and a fair amount of swearing (nothing stronger than "s--t") and product placement mixed in with the plentiful laughs.

  • Families can talk about who this movie's target audience is. Is it teens? Older women with children? How can you tell? How is the movie different from most comedies aimed at women? Families can also discuss surrogacy. Why does it seem like such a controversial subject? How were the filmmakers able to mine it for humor? Also, do you think the movie is making any specific points about the "class war"? What do Kate and Angie have in common? How are they different?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: All of the characters are flawed, though most of them have good intentions at heart. Kate frequently comes across as judgmental and a little bit snobby, while Angie's irresponsible "white trash" background is played up for laughs -- though, to the movie's credit, she has more depth than similar characters in other films. Characters deceive each other, attempt blackmail, and more. A subplot involves a big corporation coming into a small neighborhood and possibly hurting local business. New age philosophies are mocked (mostly gently). All but one of the central cast members are Caucasian.

What to watch for
  • violence false0

    Violence: Two women hurl insults at each other during a massive screaming argument. A little bit of slapstick physical comedy.

  • sex false3

    Sex: No nudity, and not much beyond kissing is shown. But there are some crass references to baby-making, including a shot in which Poehler's character spreads her legs for artificial insemination. Words like "horny" are used. A couple spends the night together after a first date.

  • language false3

    Language: Language includes "damn," "a--hole," a handful of "s--t"s, and one "effin" as a stand-in for "f--k." Some name-calling.

  • consumerism false3

    Consumerism: Product placements galore, including Luna Bars, Dr. Pepper, Tastykakes, Red Bull, Forbes Life, baby books, video games, and Jamba Juice. Kate works for a Whole Foods-like company called Round Earth.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking -- including one scene in which a woman who's purportedly pregnant sneaks a few swigs of hard liquor at a nightclub. Several jokes about recreational drug use.

Fan Reviews provided by

4

Baby Mama by jiggaj5
Oo-oooo. Loved the ending.

4

NEAT MOVIE. RECOMMENDED. GRADE: B+ by MOVIES REVIEWER
I just saw the free press screening of this DELIGHTFUL comedy. BABY MAMA is a nice unpretentious exercise in culture-clash starring the charming endearing Tina Fey and hilarious Amy Poehler with a competent and wonderful supporting cast comprising Greg Kinnear, Steve Martin, Dax Shepard, Siobhan Fallon Hogan and Romany Malco - all congenially and pleasantly delivering laughs after laughs. The characters are nicely fleshed-out - just enough to fit nicely into the movie. And the LAUGHS are forthcomingly brisk and well-paced in this well-developed and tightly-written gem. The humor is genuinely funny. Mind you - the plot/story-line is ultimately predictable - but the movie carries us on a totally enjoyable fun journey to its SATISFYING ending. This IS NOT just a chick-flick, it is a movie that should appeal across the board embracing all ages; genders; social, economic, religious and intellectual backgrounds. GO see it! And ENJOY yourself. I did!

4

Baby Mama by grams7
Loved the movie. My husband thought it was just okay, but he did laugh a couple of times. I think Tina Fey is a great talent. The other actors did a fine job too. I'd recommend it.

4

Unexpectedly sweet. by antics
I went in expecting the same jokes from the previews and not much of a heart-felt storyline. It surprised me when I started feeling for the characters in their situation. The jokes aren't overdone and parts aren't overacted. I feel like the movie is a really great way to start or end your day.

4

Good... but predictable. by hcbyrd
I liked it a lot... but it was very predictable. My husband liked it too and usually he hates movies like this. I would definitely recommend see this.

5

This movie was so funny! by thepes
My best friend and I went to see this on a girls day out, we were so glad we did. This movie was funny and light hearted. I think they did a great job. I can't wait to see it again!

4

Funny tear jerker by christyholland
This was a funny movie. It had a little bit of everything... laughter, crying, disbelief and all the roller coaster of emotions.

5

So funny, it should be illegal by shanfawn16
From the opening sequence until the final credit, I laughed my butt off! I will never look at Pam Cooking Spray, Olive Oil, chocolate, or motherhood the same way again! Tina Fey was perfect and Amy Poehler were pure gold! I wish I could have been in on the actual fliming to see the hilarity that didn't make it into the movie... there's got to be a gag reel out there somewhere! Yes, it was crude and offensive at times, but it was also endearing and touching! Can't wait to buy it on DVD!!!

5

Great Movie, A MUST SEE! by ihearttalkies
Funny, funny funny and little bit goofy, all the actors do a great job.

4

Baby Mama lives up to hype by kroland
Great movie. A lot of fun...I worried a little bit about bringing the boyfriend to what was in danger of being a chick flick, but it was entertainment for all! I highly recommend.

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