New Release Review - Friends With Kids

Directed by: Jennifer Westfeldt
Starring: Jennifer Westfeldt, Adam Scott, Maya Rudolph, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Chris O'Dowd, Megan Fox, Edward Burns

Platonic buddies Westfeldt and Scott decide to raise a child together outside the usual romantic relationship.

Hot on the heels of "Your Sister's Sister" comes another tale of irresponsible parenting. We've seen plenty of movies based on the theme of friendships turning emotional but never one with such a downright stupid hook on which to hang it's otherwise cliched plot. The major problem with this latest effort is that only the most naive and immature of viewers could possibly agree with the actions of Westfeldt and Scott. There are supporting characters who are demonised for speaking sense and daring to point out how reckless the protagonists lifestyle choice is. Fox and Burns occupy the roles of competing suitors and are the only two likable and remotely intelligent people in the story.Even if this movie were actually funny, which it certainly isn't, the fact that a child's life is being messed with would still be a stumbling block. Westfeldt seems to have some strange middle class liberal fantasy when it comes to parenthood. Her character seems perfectly able to live in a large Manhattan apartment, raise a child and go on dates in restaurants every other night, all while seemingly not holding down a job of any sort. We also never get to see her looking remotely pregnant and seems to have her Hollywood figure return immediately after popping out the unfortunate sprog. As wretched as the "Sex & the City" phenomenon was, at least it's character's shallowness never stooped to the desire for a "trophy child".
Ultimately "Friends With Kids" leaves you pondering just how maladjusted Westfeldt and Scott's son will turn out to be. I suspect you could view "We Need To Talk About Kevin" as this movie's sequel.
3/10

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