Baby Done

Officially the first and only baby movie that I ever liked. It's very good because it's honest and it shows how ugly and stressful the life can be for an expecting couple. Some complain that Zoe was unlikeable and over the top but that's EXACTLY what a pregnant angry woman looks like. I totally understand both her and her boyfriend and I think the movie is brilliant. I felt how difficult it is for them to change their fun carefree life with something so different. It's very funny at times, very annoying and others and also quite relatable.

I really wanted to like this film but found myself becoming aggravated by the lead actress's appearance, attitude and meanness towards her boyfriend. I was expecting a comedy and this was definitely not that. In a nutshell? I hated it.

A pleasant if unremarkable New Zealand comedy, Baby Done never tries to mess with the well-worn baby/new parents sub-genre of comedy features but it would be hard to walk away from this gentle and simply effective tale without a smile on your face. Starring New Zealand comedy star Rose Matafeo (in a role that is likely to gain her significant attention globally) and Neville Longbottom himself Matthew Lewis in one of his best roles yet outside of the Harry Potter franchise he made his name in, Curtis Vowell's quickfire comedic outing wins instant points with its likeable leads taking centre stage as young couple Zoe and Tim whose lives take a 180 degree turn when they find out they're having a baby. What follows on from this news is fairly stereotypical of such comedies, pregnancy classes, bucket list ideas and stressing out about what life may now look like with a new addition in tow but in a neat twist on the usual this time around Zoe is the one who is more reluctant to accept the new life she is about to enter into while the considered and softly spoken Tim is the one "nesting" at home and willing to embrace what lays ahead of him with parenthood. This fresh spin on the usual man-child shtick that litters most of these modern parenthood comedies is another win for the film and while you're never really in any doubt about how things will pan out in this tale, witnessing Zoe struggle to give up her dreams and career easily provides amusing life antidotes and funny moments that makes Vowell's film constantly engaging without ever threatening to be an absolute gem. With so many highly regarded films being born in New Zealand over the last decade (think What We Do in the Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople etc.), Baby Done never feels as instantly quality as some of its beloved counterparts but its universal themes, flawed but enjoyable characters and sense of heart make it another solid addition to the countries growing list of winning products. Final Say - Some great chemistry between its two leads and an easy to digest story ensure Baby Done is another fine New Zealand offering and while it may not provide any huge (baby) belly laughs or provide anything new to its familiar plot-line, this is a comedic effort that is sure to please audiences from around the world. 3 parent teacher interviews out of 5.

When I watched this at first I think I was doing so in the wrong way. I took the female lead's experiences literally and so it just seemed that she was going through a terrible episode of psychological distress/dissociation, risking her life and the baby's while nobody thought to support her. However, reflecting on it, it probably was intended to be a slightly over-the-top comedic metaphor for the genuine fears and angst about the changes happening in your life when you have a child. Despite taking it a bit too seriously, I could relate to a lot of those fears, had a couple of laugh out loud moments and overall found it very sweet!

Is this film flawless? No, definitely not. So hang on for a second why I think this is a must-watch nevertheless. First things first. If you expect a polished, predictable Hollywood-style romcom, you might want to free you from this expectation. This film is, in the core of its story, very realistic and talks about a serious issue: a mom denying her pregnancy. Why I give this film a 10-star rating, although I think this film does have some flaws? Well, because flaws in films are so utterly irrelevant if the film still manages to give you all the feels. I was shocked, disgusted, happy, laughed (also out loud), sad,... you name it. I can only recommend this movie and, of course, especially to all the parents to be.

Love Rose Matafeo. Love Taika Waititi. Quite like Neville from Harry Potter. So I was really looking forward to watching this. But, Rose's character's behaviour is downright unbelievable. I could have forgiven this if the film was hilarious, but it just isn't - there are a couple of funny moments, but that's it. Such a shame.

This movie was a good rom-com, not great, just good. Did I laugh, yes, but not out loud. The actors were great, would have been better with subtitles though. There was one point in the movie where they are dancing and the guy said something to Zoe and she walks off. Wish I could understood what he said, but even rewinding it and I still could not make it out. Cute movie, I recommend if your a sucker for a good love story.