Review of 3 Men and a Baby (1987) by Samantha C — 21 Aug 2010

Even 20 years ago, even as a dopey teen, I wondered to myself, "how the hell can the mother get away with just LEAVING a baby on a doorstep?, how the hell can she be forgiven - morally, legally, narratively - so easily?" It's one of the few flaws in this film, and like the main flaw - the unnecessary drug-smuggling farce sup-plot - can be attributed to the original French film from whence this classic was adapted. I guess the French are more blase about abandoning sprogs.

Otherwise, this film come together beautifully. It's cheesy and sentimental as hell, sure - and dated in places now - but it's effortlessly charming. Spock's technical direction is fairly static, but he designs a great steadicam shot through the best apartment in cinema history, and he really brings out the best in his cast. Magnum, Malone, and yes, even Mahoney have never been better, in anything, and their chemistry with each other - and the baby - carries this slim, sweet story. Watching the three bachelors flounder - then flourish - as fatherhood is thrust upon them is a delight.

I've honestly never seen a film at the cinema that the audience laughed more at. I had to see it twice because the try to hear the jokes that had been drowned out by laughter the first time. And then I missed the other half. Awesome.