Report Card---"Friends With Kids"

I approached this one very cautiously when I opened the DVD envelope it came in.
The advertising on the box featured the word "Hilarious!" prominently, and featured Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph in the cast.
It had the smell of "Bridesmaids" all over it.
And it was obviously a chick-flick.
A woman, Jennifer Westfeldt, wrote it, directed it, and starred in it.
The prominent roles were womens roles, exxcept for her love interest, who, because he
passionately wanted a baby, pretty much made him a woman as well.
But it didn't smell.
Like "Bridesmaids" did.
What it was, was one of the most pree-dictable movies you'd ever come across.
You knew where it was going on page four.
Two people, a young man and a young woman, best friends since they were kids, both are unattached, both professing their mutual lack of physical attraction towards each other (these are two very attractive people, by the way) both decide to have a baby together, because they both really want one, and neither have romantic partners. And they vow to each other that it won't get in their way of pursuing active social lives with others.

Now, where in the wide world do you suppose this might be headed?
I won't "spoil" it for you.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Actually, it is. Once you get past knowing where it's headed, the only issue remaining is "Are you enjoying the ride to its destination?" And I have to admit that I did.
B+.

Compelling even?

Occasionally. It approaches the subject matter intelligently, and there are very good arguments made.
B+.

Is it controversial?

Somewhat. For the reason listed above.
B+.

Is it a story worth telling?

I'm on the fence about that.
B.

Is it good storytelling?

In the context of what it is, yes.
B.

Is it well written?

Rather.
B+.

Is it well cast? Well played?, Well shot?

I still don't like Kristen Wiig or Maya Rudolph. Jennifer Westfeldt is very appealing.
Jon Hamm puts in a nice turn as well. The direction is nothing but perfunctory.
B.

Is it too long? Too short?

No problem with the length.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Yes, and yes.
A.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Asked and answered.
F.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

No.
C-.

Is it funny?

Not really. It rarely tries to be. Strange for a movie advertised as "Hilarious!"
C-.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

It would not have.
F.

Is it impressive ?

It was simply not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
C.

Overall grade: B.

I walked away generally feeling more positive than negative about this one.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel,"Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne & Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperback, "Mark Rothman's Essays" is still available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings remaining, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.
And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne & Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

******