BABY MAMA

Pictures courtesy of Universal Pictures Tina Fey hears her biological clock ticking in the comedy BABY MAMA. Fey plays successful businessman woman Kate Holbrook. Kate has always put her professional endeavors ahead of her personal ones, and now single and 37, she realizes that what she wants most out of life is a baby. After several failed pregnancy attempts through a sperm bank, Kate elects to have a surrogate carry the child. The surrogate is Angie, a working class woman whose common law husband leaves little to be desired.

Although treading over familiar turf as last summer’s KNOCKED UP, BABY MAMA still feels fresh due to its feminine point of view and two spot-on performances by Fey and co-star Amy Poehler. Unlike Apatow’s comedy, the couple is the same sex, but each is struggling with similar issues. Fey’s Kate has been so focused on her work that she’s allotted little time for herself, and Poehler’s Angie has been enjoying life’s small pleasures but doesn't get the full picture. The plot is second to the humor which mixes Fey’s dry, but clever wordplay with Poehler’s outlandish, yet devilishly deadpan antics. Writer Michael McCullers, of AUSTIN POWERS fame, has a knack with Saturday Night Live alums, and works wonderfully with the Weekend Update anchors. Fey and Poehler are a great comedic tandem, possessing the type of chemistry severely lacking in today’s comedies. Quality supporting performances provide further comedic aid, with Greg Kinnear as a lovable small business owner, and Steve Martin and Sigourney Weaver adding a nice touch to their eccentric characters. Thanks to these performances, and a solidly silly screenplay, BABY MAMA avoids feeling like an Apatow re-run.

Grade: B