Baby Mama

This movie has some funny moments, but in general, it's a miss. The script is uninspired, and the cast seems like they're just walking through the roles. But of course, you don't expect brilliance out of a movie called Baby Mama. Even so, with a rather credible cast, I was hoping for a movie with a little more substance.

Tina Fey stars as Kate Holbrook, a career driven real-estate entrepreneur wants a baby. One problem is she has no mate. Another, and more serious problem is that she's unable to conceive. Enter Angie Ostrowiski (Amy Poehler) a white trash woman looking to make a quick buck. She agrees to be a surrogate mother to carry Kate's baby. After a series of events, they start living together.

Pretty much the ongoing joke is a version of the odd couple. Kate is the mature, uptight business woman, and Angie is the childish, slow-witted, slob. This relationship provides more than just comedy. Clearly Angie is functioning in a role preparing Kate for motherhood. One of the characters (Kate's sister I believe) directly alludes to this fact.

There were several very amusing characters in the movie. Unfortunately, these were mostly very minor roles. Daily Show correspondent, and "PC Guy" John Hodgeman plays a hilariously awkward fertility specialist. Steve Martin is Kate's boss, and plays a cross between himself and Mr. Peterman from Seinfeld. Sigourney Weaver has my favorite role of the movie, portraying the surrogate coordinator who is also going through her own pregnancy- at 60.

The movie isn't great, but it has fun moments. Some of the more outrageous characters are amusing, but the two leads get a little irritating. Also, a sort of twist towards the end fizzles out before it even gets started, and the potential conflict that could result is barely tapped. If you want to see this, you may enjoy it, but if you're doubtful, it's best to stay away.

2/5