What to Expect When You’re Expecting

On thursday I was invited to attend the press screening of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, which is soon to be released in cinemas. I was really looking forward to seeing this movie as it promised to be a heart warming big screen comedy; I love a film that is both funny and meaningful.

The film is based on the New York Times bestseller of the same name, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. It tackles a variety of preconceived ideas that people have regarding pregnancy and parenthood. Although light-hearted, the film also focuses on the more emotional aspects of being a parent-to-be. The basic plot follows the lives of five couples, as they each prepare for the responsibilities of parenthood. Each of the couples are representative of possible pre-parenthood situations, which allows most viewers to connect with a few of the various stories portrayed. As a mother, having gone through two pregnancies myself, I could certainly relate to quite a few of the situations in the film.

The star-studded cast all deliver great performances but my favourite character in the film is Wendy, played by Elizabeth Banks. Wendy is a baby-crazy author who when faced with the reality of her own pregnancy realises that it is not all that the books and magazines portray it to be! She is constantly searching for the “glow” that pregnancy promises to bring.

Another actor that stands out is Chris Rock, who is the leader of “the dudes group”{the dads}, who in my opinion brings the true element of comedy to the film. The dads agree that ‘whatever is discussed in dudes group stays in dudes group’ and they have a strict policy of no judgement! The film although funny is definitely not a side-splitting comedy but rather a romantic film peppered with humorous moments.