SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 1 Hour, 43 Min.
Released by MGM/UA in 1987, Charles Shyer directed and (with Nancy Meyers) co-wrote this Diane Keaton comedy. High-powered New York City corporate executive/super-yuppie J.C. Wiatt (Keaton) unexpectedly finds herself an instant mother when she ‘inherits’ the toddler, Elizabeth (Kennedy), from a recently-deceased distant cousin. J.C.’s immaculate career and her love life progressively implode, as she finds that motherhood can not be simply delegated to nannies.
Pushed out of her job and losing her snooty boyfriend (Ramis), a resentful J.C. departs for a secluded and rural Vermont town to start rebuilding her own world as a single mother. Yet, their new Norman Rockwell painting-esque life together still has more adjustments in store for a struggling J.C. and her young daughter.
J.C. Wiatt: Diane Keaton
Elizabeth Wiatt: Kristina Kennedy & Michelle Kennedy
Dr. Jeff Cooper: Sam Shepard
Narrator: Linda Ellerbee
Steven Buchner: Harold Ramis
Ken Arrenberg: James Spader
Hughes Larrabee: Pat Hingle
Fritz Curtis: Sam Wanamaker
Robin: Kim Sebastian
Charlotte: Mary Gross
Ann Bowen: Beverly Todd
Everett Sloane: George Petrie
Wilma & Merle White: Annie O’Donnell and William Frankfather
Eve: Victoria Jackson
Sam Potts: Hansford Rowe
Nannies: Jennifer Balgobin, Annie Golden, & Patti Johns
REVIEW:
It is understandable that this film’s assertive subject matter may be a turn-off to viewers for various reasons. Still, in one of her best roles, Diane Keaton anchors a well-written and charming storyline, no matter how predictable the plot really is. The film also enjoys a capable supporting cast, especially Shepard and Ramis, playing off genre stereotypes and making their characters actually resemble flesh-and-blood people.
Above all, Keaton effectively shapes the film’s relatable humor, so viewers will enjoy seeing ‘J.C.’ and ‘Elizabeth’ ultimately bond as mother and daughter. Baby Boom, suffice to say, remains a well-played 80’s treat for grown-ups.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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