Can't believe all the negative reviews! I found this movie quite funny, despite having experienced infertility years -- and several children -- ago. But do NOT watch this film if you're desperately trying to conceive, there will be much pain and frustration in it for you.
If, however, you're blissfully unconcerned with causing conception, then do rent it. Hugh Laurie is terrific, he gives his character such humanity . .. and incidentally has one of my favorite lines ever: as Sam trots off to give a first-time sperm sample, his angry boss shouts, 'W****r!'. Sam, seemingly truly puzzled: 'How did YOU know?' Joely Richardson is fine, lovely, and gets to show her bottom in a fetching hospital-gown turn. She also displays the many facets of a pregnancy wannabe, the frustration, confusion, monomania, and quite visceral anger over her body's refusal to cooperate now that she's old enough and mature enough to be responsible for a child -- when 15-year-olds have no problem conceiving.
The co-stars never quite steal the show, but they come close. Emma Thompson in dreadlocks? Yes! Joanna Lumley, tart as usual. Rowan Atkinson with a brilliant yet believable gynecologist take-off, and Tom Hollander, whom I had always seen as a good-friend (or is he?) type, in an outrageous performance complete with goatee and Glaswegian accent. Then there's Matthew Macfadyen (pre-Pride and Prejudice): acerbic, clueless and downright hilarious.
'Maybe Baby' (its title song sung by McCartney) is definitely worth a looksee. Put it on your queue.
If, however, you're blissfully unconcerned with causing conception, then do rent it. Hugh Laurie is terrific, he gives his character such humanity . .. and incidentally has one of my favorite lines ever: as Sam trots off to give a first-time sperm sample, his angry boss shouts, 'W****r!'. Sam, seemingly truly puzzled: 'How did YOU know?' Joely Richardson is fine, lovely, and gets to show her bottom in a fetching hospital-gown turn. She also displays the many facets of a pregnancy wannabe, the frustration, confusion, monomania, and quite visceral anger over her body's refusal to cooperate now that she's old enough and mature enough to be responsible for a child -- when 15-year-olds have no problem conceiving.
The co-stars never quite steal the show, but they come close. Emma Thompson in dreadlocks? Yes! Joanna Lumley, tart as usual. Rowan Atkinson with a brilliant yet believable gynecologist take-off, and Tom Hollander, whom I had always seen as a good-friend (or is he?) type, in an outrageous performance complete with goatee and Glaswegian accent. Then there's Matthew Macfadyen (pre-Pride and Prejudice): acerbic, clueless and downright hilarious.
'Maybe Baby' (its title song sung by McCartney) is definitely worth a looksee. Put it on your queue.