Friends with kids is a 2012 film written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt, who just happens to be Jon Ham's better half, as well. It's about two best friends, a guy and a girl, who decide to have a child together when time runs out, their friends start having kids and they can't seem to find the right person to start a family with.
I am afraid this review might turn out to be very short because frankly, there is nothing outstanding about this film, although it is entertaining and mostly delivers in every aspect. The script is one of the strongest points, yet I must admit the end is too good to be true, but hey, it's fiction, it's a movie, so I'll just take it as it is and enjoy it.The dialogue is witty and occasionally funny, and the actors make it work very well- it does have a realistic feel to it. Considering it is set in the present day of New York, I can't really say anything about the sets, the costumes or the direction- everything felt....OK. Really, nothing bad or good stood out!
One thing I particularly liked was the casting. Yes, Kristen Wiig and Jon Hamm are one of the couples and they are surprisingly good in a non-comedic role, especially Wiig, who I was impressed by, but my favorites have to be Maya Rudolph and Chris O'Dowd. They are dynamite together and form a weird, but adorable and funny pair that light up the screen- O'Dowd, in particular, is on his way to stardom, just because of his charisma, English charm and talent, and I've loved Rudolph ever since the SNL day and I still think she is one hell of a woman. Adam Scott did a pretty good job portraying the sarcastic, often blind-to-the-obvious type of man who always goes for the easy route, whilst Jennifer Westfeldt offers a nice surprise, adding compassion, love and a touch of sweetness to the cast and the story. They form an odd couple, but I could see it happen in real life.
Overall, like I said, there was nothing very bad or very good to say about it. `Friends with kids` is a nice, normal, romantic comedy that you could probably watch anytime- put the DVD in, enjoy it for the almost 2 hours it runs, and then forget about it. I would recommend it just because it is a light movie that can be seen whenever you need something to cheer you up or take your mind off things.
Thanks for the review. Sounds like one I can miss. There are too many movies in the world to watch ones that seem like rehashes of other romantic comedies.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong, it's a good movie, and for a romantic comedy, it's actually worth seeing, but yeah...if you have anything else to watch on your list, you can leave this for later!
DeleteNice review! I felt pretty similar! For a light rom-com though, I thought it got pretty heavy at times. That dinner table scene at the skiing lodge was incredibly well written and very uncomfortable viewing. Wiig was brilliant in such a relatively small role. And O'Dowd nailed it!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was really surprised by Kristen Wiig and I also loved the dinner table scene!Thanks!
DeleteOh I love Chris O'Dowd - can't wait to see him in The Sapphires (though if I actually go to the Melbourne International Film Festivals opening night is another question....might have to wait for it to come out on general release). I'm not going to be tripping over myself to see this, but it doesn't seem to bad :) Nice review!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth! You should try to see it one night, maybe on DVD, it's good! And yes, Chris O'Dowd is amazing!
DeleteNice review here, I completely get that you may not have a lot to say about it. I actually really enjoyed it - I thought it was honest and real. That is, except for its crude, abrupt ending. That was just... wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe ending for me was....unreal, in the sense that it was too good to be true. I mean ok, I get that he finally realized that she is the one and bla bla....but I don't know, it all felt too...convenient!
DeleteI only knew Jennifer Westfeldt as Jon Hamm's partner, that's cool that she's a writer/director as well. I might rent this one as this isn't the kind of movie I'm excited about. Sounds like this is one of the better rom-coms compared to some of the ones Hollywood is churning out.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it is one of the better rom-coms!
DeleteGreat review! This movie looks pretty average and forgettable, but I may watch it some time because of the cast.
ReplyDeleteThe cast is worth it, definitely, try it!
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