A surprisingly meaningful film well-beyond typical expectations

Rating: 7/10 (3 June 2007)

Going in to this movie, most viewers are expecting the all too typical formula of sex, drug and male incompetence jokes and one-liners that tends to abound in the summer comedy movie season. Make no mistake, all of those elements remain largely intact, but this film still boasts an unexpected maturity as it unfolds. Despite the moral shortcomings of one, if not both, of the main characters, this film finds them both to be surprisingly real characters that gradually rise to the challenge of impending parenthood with a humanity that subtly engages the sympathies of the audience. Although it possesses many memorable comedic moments, and the film certainly can be enjoyed as a comedy alone, its dramatic tones are perhaps the most meaningful. This film often displays the fear, uncertainty and awkwardness of the characters so strongly and accurately, though, that the comedy is more required as a needed emotional break for the audience then as an integral component of the plot or movement. In many respects, this most was reminiscent of the often under-rated 'Parenthood', which similarly balanced strikingly real family drama with thoroughly enjoyable comedic interludes. While several scenes of sexual content and drug use make this film unfortunately inappropriate for younger viewers, its positive message of mismatched expecting parents growing together through their shared commitment to the child about to enter their lives is quaint, honest and meaningful beyond the outward appearances of this film.