By the late-1980s, writer/director John Hughes had carved himself a nice niche within the ‘teen movie’ arena. While lesser films (Porky’s and its ilk come to mind) were content with sophomoric humour and bare breasts, Hughes consistently added welcome touches of honesty and reality to his screenplays. This is the filmmaker who introduced us to Ferris Bueller and The Breakfast Club, and when it seemed that his teen-machine was breaking down, Hughes partnered Steve Martin and John Candy to direct his first ‘grown-up’ movie: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.
His next effort, She’s Having a Baby, was neither a financial nor critical blockbuster, although the film has more than its share of supporters. Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern star as a young newlywed couple and the film follows them through their early marriage travails; sex, cooking, career, education, infidelity, responsibility, procreation – you name it, it’s in there. Jefferson Briggs (Bacon) is madly in love with his high school sweetheart, Kristy (McGovern), only he’s not sure if he’s prepared for the commitment of marriage. His fears are compounded by his obnoxious best friend Davis ( Alec Baldwin), who advises Jeff to bail on his bride – while they’re sitting outside the church. Of course the wedding goes off just fine, and that’s when the fun starts.
Kevin Bacon fans will have a good time, as he delivers a dead-on performance. It’s obvious that Jefferson is in love with his new bride, but Bacon brings an anxious and antsy tone to his performance that makes it all the more believable. McGovern is also quite good, although she comes off a bit too tough. As is often the case in Hughes’ movies, Paul Gleason is on hand to deliver his patented ‘sleaze’ performance, and William Windom is a hoot as Jefferson’s eternally disapproving father-in-law. Baldwin is deliciously nasty.
What looks generic and predictable on paper is actually quite clever, as Hughes’ screenplay is full of asides to the audience, surreal visual gags and even some unpredictable dance numbers. While She’s Having a Baby is not likely to land on any ‘Funniest Movies Ever’ lists, there is something to be said for a screenplay that’s this personal. This movie strikes a chord with a lot of people because its petty trifles and ridiculous squabbles are pretty darn real. A strong point in all of Hughes’ movies is the soundtrack, and this one is no exception; he often allows music to tell as much as dialogue (even if some of the late-‘80s Euro-rock stuff sounds awful dated by now).
Although the movie is a time capsule showcasing the stresses and struggles of yuppies in the late ‘80s, She’s Having a Baby still stands up surprisingly well. Some of the music and clothing styles (and yes, some of the attitudes) have changed, but there’s still plenty of truth in it. It’s also a funny, smart and touching movie. And be sure to stay around during the closing credits for some of the film’s biggest laughs.
