There’s a lot to
unpack from this predictable, lightweight comedy, but diving too deep would
turn this review into a spoiler. What I can say is that the story never seems
interested in truly exciting its audience, for a movie of this calibre you
would expect that at least. The performances—aside from the two leads—feel
forced, as though the cast was reluctantly roped into the project. And the
direction? It comes across like the studio handed it to the nearest available
person, experience be damned.
I genuinely love
Tina Fey, but even that admiration couldn’t save this movie. I adore her work
on 30 Rock and have enjoyed some of her other films, but this is one
role she probably should’ve passed on. Despite her and Amy Poehler’s attempts
to bring some humor to the screen, their on-screen chemistry couldn’t overcome
the predictable lines and tired plot.
The movie
introduces us to Kate (Fey), a 37-year-old career-focused woman who has never
married or had children. Now in the throes of baby fever, she’s desperate to
have a child. After unsuccessful attempts at pregnancy, adoption, and other
options, she learns that her chances of natural conception are virtually
nonexistent. Determined, she turns to surrogacy. She signs up with an agency
and is paired with Angie (Poehler), an irresponsible and chaotic first-time
surrogate who is the total opposite of Kate.
Kate’s
desperation and Angie’s financial needs lead them to an agreement. But when
Angie breaks up with her boyfriend, she moves in with Kate, and things quickly
spiral. Chaos ensues as the two clash over their stark differences, and it
becomes apparent that Angie has some secrets of her own. Kate soon finds
herself dealing with much more than she bargained for.
The film boasts
a star-studded supporting cast, including Greg Kinnear, Dax Shepard, Holland
Taylor, Steve Martin, and Sigourney Weaver, but even their presence couldn’t
salvage this movie. The ending is as predictable as you’d expect, and
throughout its runtime, I didn’t laugh or smile once.
Financially, the
movie likely broke even, having earned double its production cost at the box
office. But judging by the reception, it’s no surprise we never saw a
sequel—not that many would’ve cared.
The unrealistic
scenarios in this movie make it hard to recommend, even as a time-passer. If
you’re considering watching it, I’d suggest taking a nap instead, at least that
way you get to achieve something that will be worthwhile.
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