What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012) Review

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Synopsis:

It’s too late to pull out now.

A funny and heartfelt comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood.

Review

Pregnancy. If there is one big step in life you can take, it’s having kids. They come with a whole host of responsibilities, some of which many may not foresee or perhaps handle too well. With that in mind, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect (pun not intended) from this film. I had not seen the trailer, so I was kind of walking in blind…which doesn’t happen that often. So when I swaggered into the cinema last night I was wondering if the movie would be able to have a natural birth or if an epidural would be needed…

The story begins with a longer than usual intro. There is quite an ensemble of cast members in this film, so the rounds had to be made, and in doing so, we get to see how everybody is coping in life and what they exactly want or don’t want out of it. With the variety of characters, there is always something going on and we get ping-ponged between the different stars quite a lot, but it is needed so that everyone felt even. I liked the whole cast and you will notice a few familiar faces and some new ones. As for the story, it was definitely something different. We get to view how everyone’s lives differ from each other when going through the different trials and tribulations of pregnancy. They all differ, so it is nice to see the alternate perspectives. It made it more real, as pregnancy is a lot of work and it came through on the big screen.

The camera work is very traditional. We bounce around to a few varied locations (houses, parks, places of work) and a few recurring. There is a lot of colour and great lighting, so the film is very vibrant and sets an easy pace for the movie to follow on.

This film is emotionally driven, so there is nothing in the terms of effects (sorry guys). If there are any to go on, it would have to be how the women looked and acted preggers. It’s very realistic and at times I pondered if they were pregnant, the realism looked that legit. Emotion is abundant in the film, from the sad to the happy. It tugs at the heartstrings a few times and made you feel almost a part of the film. There is comedy spilled throughout the movie, however it all depends on your sense of humour if you find it funny. I did chortle a few times, while I noticed other cinema goers laughing a tad harder.

Should I abscond from calling it a “Chick” flick? No. Most, if not all women will enjoy this movie…and some guys! (well, maybe) However it will be prominently the latter. Not to say it’s a bad thing, but the movie will appeal to the fairer sex more. On a last note – the film is a tad long…I did notice the length, although it does make you experience more from each character as you spend more time with them and understand their view of the situation.

At the end of the day, WTE-WYE, is something quite unique. I can’t remember the last time I viewed a “pregnant” movie, so to speak. It won’t appeal to everyone, but oh well; it has a great family/couple vibe and will appeal to a lot of couples who are thinking of having kids, or to parents, in which case this film might feel very nostalgic with a walk down memory lane. The film has been doing decently enough with a profit of $67million on a budget of $40million.

Worth the watch if, you are in the mood for a romantic comedy with a difference, are fans of the cast or want to view different perspectives of pregnancy on the big screen.

Trailer

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