Director: Kirk Jones
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Rock, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick
Running Time: 110 Minutes
Certificate: 12A
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is the latest book adaptation, except this one’s a babycare guide book, turned into film starring A-listers as expecting parents in a series of interlinked stories. The book is a top-seller and known as the pregnancy bible, which many expecting mothers turning to its advice soon after peeing on the ‘positive stick’. The film follows five women from conception to birth, detailing every physical and emotional turn that each new week of the pregnancy brings.
Although the writers of the film would like to think this is a LOVE ACTUALLY-style film, the truth is it’s another HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU, VALENTINES DAY or NEW YEARS EVE, except the comedy is a tad more risque with its dick, super-sperm, and tit talk. The film dedicates no more than 20 minutes to each couple and pregnancy, keeping even the most unfocused viewer entertained enough to keep going.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is also surprisingly moving, and thanks to stellar performance from everyone involved (except Chase Crawford) it manages to be original enough. Elizabeth Banks takes the film to a completely different level, and her character unapologetically discusses wetting herself, passing gas, and increased breast size.
The film also deals with controversial aspects of pregnancy, such as miscarriages, circumcision, adoption, and unplanned conception. These things set the movie apart from other Hollywood fare, but WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING finds itself edging back towards predictable clichéd territory with its happy and trouble free climax.
The extra features on the DVD include deleted scenes showing comedians Chris Rock, Rob Huebel, Thomas Lennon, and Rebel Wilson delivering their best ad-libs. There are also two featurettes, one of which is dedicated to guys in the movie. Fear a potential spin-off focusing on the FIGHT CLUB-inspired daddy crew.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is out on DVD on the 22nd of October and can be bought here
