Review of Baby Mama (2008) by Michelle V — 17 Aug 2010

Perhaps, it seems a bit piggish for this reviewer to ask for his comedies to be laugh-out-loud funny?especially in the wake of such uproarious pregger flicks as Knocked Up and Juno. The best possible critique for Baby Mama, a perfectly enjoyable comedy from 30 Rock creator and SNL alum Tina Fey, comes by way of a comparison: After a humorous anecdote is told, there are times when the listener-having never even let slip a giggle, chortle, or chuckle-will simply reply, ?Oh, that?s funny.? And, in truth, it is usually a completely sincere assessment?as it is with the review for this comedy. Though not a knee-slapping laugh-riot, the movie delivers a pleasingly witty story of one woman?s quest to outsource her pregnancy. And that?s that.

In this PG-13 comedy, a successful businesswoman (Fey) discovers that she cannot become pregnant and hires a South Philadelphia surrogate who turns out to be a quite rough around the edges (Poehler).

Fey does not get enough credit. Her trifecta of writing, producing, and starring seems all the more remarkable when filmgoers consider that she must also share the screen with some hugely talented actors. Greg Kinnear, Steve Martin, and Sigourney Weaver round out some of the film?s most winning moments. The comic graces of Poehler, however, provide a perfect balancing act?though her character?s outrageousness could have easily allowed the actress to steal the show. An all-too-Hollywood ending proves to be the movie?s most blatant slip-up, but even this dirty nappy does not leave a rash.

Bottom line: Maybe baby.