I have never met a mother who has not picked up a copy of the pregnancy “bible” called What to expect when you are expecting. When I found out I was pregnant for the first time I picked up a copy immediately. I referred to it almost every day. Although not all pregnancies are the same, it helped me to better understand what was going on with my body and my baby.
When I was pregnant with my daughter (my firstborn) my pregnancy pretty much went along with the book. I had a lot of the “quirks” pregnant women sometimes get like itchy skin, nose bleeds, and major cravings. When I was pregnant with my son there was no point in following any book because that pregnancy was way off from the start. Nothing was “textbook” about that pregnancy. He was also a preemie.
When I heard they were making a movie based on the book, staring the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Rock and Denis Quaid, I thought it sounded very odd. I actually thought the movie was going to be about the book. Instead it’s the story of different pregnancies and how they progress from conception to birth.
The movie follows the pregnancies of several couples.
Jules & Evan – This couple has dated only a few months. Jules is a weight loss and exercise guru and Evan is a dancer on a popular TV show. There was no doubt they were keeping the baby. Jules is thrilled by her body’s changes, including her boobs. The only problem is that couple are arguing about whether or not they should get their child circumsized if it’s a boy. The argument puts a strain on their relationship.
Holly & Alex – This married couple has been trying to conceive for a while and it’s not working, so they turn to adoption. Holly is excited about it but the idea of being a parent, and adopting, freaks Alex out. To help him get a better understanding as to what being a parent is really like he joins a group of men who meet at the park once a week to discuss life as a parent opening among themselves where they won’t be criticized.
Wendy & Gary – This married couple has also been trying to have a baby for years. When they finally give up trying Wendy becomes pregnant. Wendy’s pregnancy is not all “sunshine and rainbows” like her mother-in-law’s pregnancy. Gary’s step-mom is a young, 20-something, who married his father. Skyler (played by Brooklyn Decker) is having the dream pregnancy with no exhaustion, cravings, or “side effects”, unlike poor Wendy who gets his with everything from gas to hemoroids. Gary also has to deal with his father who was not much of a father to him but is now suddenly totally into the new babies (Skyler is having twins).
Rosie & Marco – This young couple (early 20′s) tried dating but failed at it. Years later they have a one night stand and Rosie gets pregnant. Although they are worried about what their future might hold, they are excited about their baby. That is until tragedy happens.
I like that each story was a bit different. Some were funny, others were heartbreaking. The movie explores everything from adoption to miscarriage and planned to unplanned pregnancies.
The comic relief comes from the group of men, “the Dudes”, that meet once a week in the park. They keep it real and tell it like it is.
I found it funny how all the dad’s were so into a single, hot guy name Davis (Joe Manganiello) who had the life they used to have before becoming fathers. One father especially, Craig (Thomas Lennon) is practically obsessed with him.
What to expect when you are expecting is a good look at pregnancy from different angles. Some of the stories are light hearted and funny, and others will tug at your heart strings.
Overall I liked the movie. I could have done without the sad parts 
, but thankfully there was plenty of humor to balance it all out.
I think Brooklyn Decker did a great job at playing the part of Skyler, the one who had everyone’s dream pregnancy.
What to expect when you are expecting is available on Blu-ray and DVD where ever movies are sold.
Make sure to check out the bonus features for a funny, behind the scenes look at the making of the film. There were A LOT of babies used in this film too and not all of the actors are parents so this was an eye opening experience for them.
You can find more about the film and clips at www.WhattoExpecttheFilm.com. You can also follow the film on these social networking sites.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WhatToExpectMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lionsgatemovies
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/lionsgatelive
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.
About Kimberly
