Friends With Kids

Failing to capitalise on a cast this hot took some doing. Credible names ahoy, we've got four of the core players from one of the biggest hits of last year, Bridesmaids, but very little laughs or charm. It's good to see the always watchable Adam Scott in a leading role; but the likes of Jon Hamm and Chris O'Dowd are completely wasted in what should've been a romantic comedy/drama with something to say. Not without its moments, debut helmer Westfeldt still struggles with pacing and ending her movie without running out of steam.

Westfeldt also stars in the film, as an amiable single woman living a seemingly content existence. As she gets older she finds that one thing is missing - kids. Not wanting to get married or wait for the right guy to turn up, she discusses it with her best pal Jason (Scott) and they decide to partake in the wonderment of childbirth together. Surprisingly to their group of pals, this works well at first; but when other people and possible other relationships become involved, their boats are firmly rocked and feelings are hurt.

Starting out really well, but ultimately dragging out inevitable scenarios far too much, the extremely impressive cast are also wasted. Firstly, this is a primarily comedic set of players; so the natural expectation of the audience is laughter. Granted, it's not overt dramatics from the start, and the plan here was obviously to make the characters well-rounded, but the inclusion of Hamm, Wiig and O'Dowd is sometimes a bit of a distraction - despite solid work from all of them.

Westfeldt had a strong idea, and strong central characters; sure, the plot isn’t exactly new and similar ground has been covered in other recent productions (The Switch), but it's obviously a passion project for her and it does have potential. Directing, writing and starring might just have proved too much as the film could've done with a shaving off of fifteen minutes or so. Westfeldt may have found the material too close to make an executive decision, and although the film has some real moments, it drags on too long to a conclusion that was too obvious.

Some funny, worthwhile moments; but otherwise a little indulgent and the supporting cast are wasted.