Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are a match made in heaven. While SNL was going through an unbearably long comedic drought with the likes of Jimmy Fallon and Horatio Sanz unjustifiably stealing the limelight, it was Fey and Poehler’s “fake” news that made the show tolerable. Now, with a solid and very funny show (NBC’s 30 Rock) under her belt and having already written for movies before (Mean Girls) it seems only natural that Fey steps out into a leading role that can showcase her sharp, intelligent humor. And teamed with Poehler’s wild and energetic goofball slapstick, the two are undeniably funny and share great chemistry.
The story is about Kate Holbrook, an upwardly mobile business executive for a health food store based in Philadelphia (and run by a pompous new-agey hippie type, played by comedian Steve Martin). After years of successfully nuturing her career, Kate suddenly realizes one day that she would love to nuture something else…a baby. With repeated failed attempts at pregnancy and her doctor’s assessment that she is incapable of becoming pregnant, Kate decides to go the route of surrogacy via an agency run by the extremely fertile, Chaffee Bicknell (the wickedly funny Sigourney Weaver in a small but hilarious role!).
Enter Angie Ostrowiski, a less-than-desirable prospect who decides that she will carry a baby for Kate for a large chunk of money. The story then focuses on the two women’s relationship as the pregnancy progresses and the very different lifestyles they lead. This is when the two comediennes can really play off each other. I do agree with one reviewer, however, that states that the movie was a little overly “mushy” in parts. I would have liked to seen a little more of Fey’s cynical/dry humor but overall the film is enjoyable with a good cast. Also, the movie is peppered with funny cast members of SNL, past and present!
This is a respectable first outing for two of SNL’s funniest ladies. While it is by no means perfect, it is still a good comedy about an issue that affects women and couples today—the desire to have a child. I look foward to future pairings of Fey and Poehler on the big screen. Recommended for some good laughs!
Cast
- Tina Fey as Kate Holbrook
- Amy Poehler as Angela “Angie” Ostrowiski
- Greg Kinnear as Rob Ackerman
- Romany Malco as Oscar Priyan
- Dax Shepard as Carl Loomis
- Maura Tierney as Caroline Holbrook
- Steve Martin as Barry
- Sigourney Weaver as Chaffee Bicknell
- Holland Taylor as Rose Holbrook
- Siobhan Fallon Hogan as Birthing Teacher
