It doesn't surprise me that this low-key dramedy has flown under the cinematic radar. Its parental premise – that having children changes your life and the relationship with your partner, not always for the best – isn't the sort of material that gets noticed by a lot of the movie-going public. It's a shame though as FWK garners more laughs than a large chunk of the so-called comedies that grace (I use the term loosely) our multiplexes. Writer-director Jennifer Westfeldt is uncannily accurate in her presentation of family life – good times and bad in equal measure – which not only generates the funny-because-it's-true humour but also lends a poignancy to the proceedings that makes the predictable finale easier to swallow. As the central duo, Westfeldt (obviously multi-talented) and Adam Scott share a natural chemistry and are thankfully well-rounded, but Maya Rudolph and Chris O'Dowd steal the show as their kiddie-focused best mates who are both relatable and downright hilarious.
Review of Friends with Kids
