SHE'S HAVING A BABY was an imaginative and charming 1988 comedy that follows a young couple from courtship through parenthood via some amusing vignettes and clever fantasy sequences that effectively break the fourth wall and constantly remind us that we are watching a movie, but this idea is set up from the beginning through the narration and internal fantasies of lead character Jefferson "Jake" Briggs (Kevin Bacon, in his most appealing post-FOOTLOOSE role). Becon's chemistry with the lovely Elizbath McGovern (whatever happened to her?) is undeniable and early into the film you really find yourself rooting for this couple. Alec Baldwin had one of his best early roles here as Jake's slightly slimy college buddy. There a lot of very funny and imaginative scenes in the film, which are mostly a product of Jake's mind, which I found kind of novel for a John Hughes film...love the production number with the lawn mowers and Jake's in-laws coaching him on what to do during sex, not to mention's Jake's internal re-writing of his wedding vows. Both Holland Taylor and the late Cathryn Damon score as Jake and Christy's moms and William Windom is amusing as Christy's dad, who cuts Jake no slack whatsoever. I think I liked this movie better than the average viewer...maybe because I really like Kevin Bacon and he's practically in every scene, but I think even for non-Bacon fans, there are smiles, chuckles, and warm fuzzy feelings to be found by taking in the story of Jake and Kristy Briggs.
61 Reviews
Saved by the ending
cwhitfield8 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Let's face it. it's not the most original premise of a young guy marrying young who goes through an early life crises. Yet the film reaches a sweetness that never turns into sickly. Whilst I think the screenplay could've been tighter and the script is not nearly up to the usual John Hughes banter; the picture is adequate due to the oh so natural performances of Kevin Bacon and the neglected Alec Baldwin. But it is not these two that saves this picture. What saves this picture is the final montage to the backing of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" which intertwined with Bacon's brilliant expression of emotion makes your heart skip a beat. I have never been in love nor had a baby but that scene hit me like a tonne of bricks and the film becomes watchable if only for that.
Weird little charmer of a movie
xyzzzzzzz31 May 2014
On the upside, I love this movie (enough that I just watched it for about the 7th time), firstly and mostly, because of Elizabeth McGovern's very charming portrayal of very charming Kristy Briggs. Secondly, because of the cute and sweet relationship between Kristy and Jake. Thirdly because of the chuckles I get from watching the credits at the end of the movie -- which I believe is the first and only time I've actually chuckled from watching movie credits! On the downside, there are some really odd elements to the direction that I really don't enjoy at all, but rather suffer through and barely tolerate. I just think Jake's fantasies and/or hallucinations could've been directed better. And I cannot stand Alec Baldwin's character (Jake's best friend), or his girlfriend's either. UGH! But all in all, this movie entertains me, brings crocodile tears to my eyes in several places, makes me smile in many others, and makes me root like crazy for Kristy's & Jake's relationship to make it!
The Hughes series continues...
Pookyiscute10 February 2004
So, I guess if I were at gunpoint, I would choose this as being my second favorite film in the Hughes lineup. He has made so many good movies, it's hard to pick just one as your favorite, but this is definitely a close second to The Breakfast Club.
Kevin Bacon plays a writer just out of college trying to support his newly wedded wife, while at the same time working for some sort of ad agency, and trying to write his first book. Throughout the movie, it's him narrarating his life from the start of his wedding until the end of the movie...
His wife, however, decides that she's ready for a baby. He on the other hand, does not really get as excited about the idea as she does.
The entire movie is set up from his point of view, and he sees the world through his eyes, and a lot of 'what ifs' start to boggle his mind. His confusion and dry humor make it a great classic, and a great watch for anyone. A fun piece of movie trivia...in the movie 'Trains, Planes, and Automobiles' Steve Martin's wife in the movie, lays awake late one night watching a movie on T.V. If you listen closely to what they're saying, it's a scene from 'She's Having a Baby'. The scene when Kevin Bacon and his on screen wife are having a fight. A fun little movie fact for you.
I hope you'll see it if you haven't. And if you already did, you're smart. And if you saw it and didn't like it, well, then....there we are.
I give this movie, a 10 out of 10. A great movie, to be seen by all!
And that's the end of my review.
Kevin Bacon plays a writer just out of college trying to support his newly wedded wife, while at the same time working for some sort of ad agency, and trying to write his first book. Throughout the movie, it's him narrarating his life from the start of his wedding until the end of the movie...
His wife, however, decides that she's ready for a baby. He on the other hand, does not really get as excited about the idea as she does.
The entire movie is set up from his point of view, and he sees the world through his eyes, and a lot of 'what ifs' start to boggle his mind. His confusion and dry humor make it a great classic, and a great watch for anyone. A fun piece of movie trivia...in the movie 'Trains, Planes, and Automobiles' Steve Martin's wife in the movie, lays awake late one night watching a movie on T.V. If you listen closely to what they're saying, it's a scene from 'She's Having a Baby'. The scene when Kevin Bacon and his on screen wife are having a fight. A fun little movie fact for you.
I hope you'll see it if you haven't. And if you already did, you're smart. And if you saw it and didn't like it, well, then....there we are.
I give this movie, a 10 out of 10. A great movie, to be seen by all!
And that's the end of my review.
A jarring film that has its moments
toddnewton-6458810 November 2018
It's not a terrible movie but it has significant problems. Firstly, the interjected flashback scenes and the caricature scenes distract from the film's central message which is presented in a jarring way. Upon viewing this film for the first time, I found it challenging to follow the plot. I understand this film closely related to John Hughes' life and that he wanted to present it in an artistic way but there were more misses than hits in its execution.
But there are some scenes that are well done. I like the club scene and the music used as well as its artistic presentation when it shows back-and-forth (lone) images of Jake and the mystery woman who is trying to lure him to cheat. I also like the wedding scene as well as the scene where Jake and Kristy are sitting with Davis (Alec Baldwin) who has visited Chicago with his mistress and they're sitting in the Briggs house.
I'm a big John Hughes fan and enjoy most of his films that he has directed and produced (and wrote) but this isn't his best work. Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern deliver good acting performances but they don't have a high level of chemistry between them and that also holds the film back.
I liked the concept and saw what Hughes was trying to achieve but it didn't quite connect for me with this film.
But there are some scenes that are well done. I like the club scene and the music used as well as its artistic presentation when it shows back-and-forth (lone) images of Jake and the mystery woman who is trying to lure him to cheat. I also like the wedding scene as well as the scene where Jake and Kristy are sitting with Davis (Alec Baldwin) who has visited Chicago with his mistress and they're sitting in the Briggs house.
I'm a big John Hughes fan and enjoy most of his films that he has directed and produced (and wrote) but this isn't his best work. Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern deliver good acting performances but they don't have a high level of chemistry between them and that also holds the film back.
I liked the concept and saw what Hughes was trying to achieve but it didn't quite connect for me with this film.
Sweet, sometimes sad, often charming
Barry Kruse12 March 2001
If you haven't seen this lovely little film yet, and you are due to be a young family man, I recommend it. Watch it with you significant other, and dare to try and not shed a tear, both laughing and really crying. If you're an 80's music fan, there's simply another great reason to love this film. Plus, Hughes uses fantasy outakes in a way few people had done prior to Ally Macbeal. It renders what could have been a generally typical, boring "chick-flic" a decently entertaining picture.
Woods expensive, words are cheap......
FlashCallahan17 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Jake and Kristy Briggs are newlyweds, but as they are still young, they are perhaps a bit unprepared for the full reality of marriage and all that it expects of them.
Things certainly aren't helped by Jake's friend Davis, who always seems to turn up just in time to put a spanner in the works.
And then there's the predictability of the title, just as things were becoming mundane for the couple.
John Hughes has hardly ever took a step wrong, and for some, he defined the teen movie in the eighties forever. But my gosh, this is a pig of a film.
Once again, screenwriters in Hollywood think that everyone is wealthy, or at least has at least wealthy parents, and here it's blatantly in your face, and the films biggest flaw? There is not one likable character in the entire film.
Bacon is just a selfish little man who would rather chase his dream than become a family man, and when he finally succumbs to the latter, he resents his wife for the. Majority of the film.
Baldwin pops up every now and again with an insufferable girlfriend to show Bacon what life would be like if he wasn't married.
McGovern doesn't fare any better though. I don't know why, but it seems that the writers have just made her a one dimensional maundering waste of space, so with whom are we supposed to give our empathy too?
As always with films like this, there is a moment in the film where McGovern is at risk, so we have a moment with Bacon crying and reminiscing about the good times. And what good times are they? Decorating and getting locked out in the rain. Oh the joys of love.
Whether its a marriage warning to teens, or Hughes exposing to the masses just how abhorrent yuppies were, it sure is one thing.
Cinematic contraception.
Things certainly aren't helped by Jake's friend Davis, who always seems to turn up just in time to put a spanner in the works.
And then there's the predictability of the title, just as things were becoming mundane for the couple.
John Hughes has hardly ever took a step wrong, and for some, he defined the teen movie in the eighties forever. But my gosh, this is a pig of a film.
Once again, screenwriters in Hollywood think that everyone is wealthy, or at least has at least wealthy parents, and here it's blatantly in your face, and the films biggest flaw? There is not one likable character in the entire film.
Bacon is just a selfish little man who would rather chase his dream than become a family man, and when he finally succumbs to the latter, he resents his wife for the. Majority of the film.
Baldwin pops up every now and again with an insufferable girlfriend to show Bacon what life would be like if he wasn't married.
McGovern doesn't fare any better though. I don't know why, but it seems that the writers have just made her a one dimensional maundering waste of space, so with whom are we supposed to give our empathy too?
As always with films like this, there is a moment in the film where McGovern is at risk, so we have a moment with Bacon crying and reminiscing about the good times. And what good times are they? Decorating and getting locked out in the rain. Oh the joys of love.
Whether its a marriage warning to teens, or Hughes exposing to the masses just how abhorrent yuppies were, it sure is one thing.
Cinematic contraception.
He's Having An Early Mid-Life Crisis
Smile_U_SOB14 July 2007
Warning: Spoilers
...Would be a more fitting title for this movie. And I really liked the movie. It just wasn't about a baby, and it wasn't about his wife. She's a secondary character, if that. It's all about Kevin Bacon's character who is a ad-man who wants to be a professional writer, but his wife, and the beautiful home in the suburbs and all its dreary perfection, is bringing him down. As are his in-laws, his player best buddy (Alec Baldwin in his thin days), and a dream-girl who seemingly wants to seduce him. This film is really about the struggle and the temptation of a guy who has everything, but doesn't know if he wants it. There are some incredible, creative scenes. One showing how his office literally closing in on him; another showing a picture of his father-in-law smiling as he's looking at it; then he says something to the picture (as if speaking to it) and the picture has changed to where the father-in-law has a shocked expression. There's one homage to "Psycho" where the wife throws "the pill" down the drain; you get a shot of the water going down the drain which then slowly dissolves to her eye. And there's a musical sequence with suburbanites mowing their lawns whilst dancing and singing that is hilarious when taken in its context; but if you were to see this sequence out of context, you'd think it's gonna be a horrible film. Anyhow, this movie is all about the husband. They show the wife having the baby at the very end, and things get complicated and that's when he realizes how much he loves her... brooding in the waiting room like the character from Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms". But you really don't feel that he ever really loved her in the first place. That's the only fault I can give this film. The rest of it is creative and totally entertaining.
Surprisingly dull and tedious for a John Hughes film, and it somehow gave me a bleak feeling
Beta_Gallinger9 March 2011
After watching "Curly Sue" just a few days ago, "She's Having a Baby" was the only film directed by the late John Hughes which I had not yet seen. This is another one written, directed, and produced by Hughes. I still haven't seen every film he ever wrote/produced, but have now seen all eight of the ones a directed in his career. Most of them I've found to be at least pretty good, some of them more than that, and when I finally watched "Curly Sue", I found that it usually fails in its attempts to be funny, but does have some fairly gripping drama. Like that film, I wasn't expecting this one to be that great, since it's another one of Hughes' less popular efforts. However, I certainly was expecting it to be better than it turned out to be!
Jake and Kristy Briggs are two young newlyweds, and after they get married, they move to New Mexico, where Jake studies to get a Masters Degree at graduate school, but he really doesn't like this, so he gives up before he reaches his goal. After this, the two of them move back to Chicago, where Jake manages to get a job as an advertising copywriter, after failing to fool his employers with his thoroughly dishonest resume, but still impressing them with it. While working at this job, he also aspires to become a writer. Kristy finds employment as a research analyst. With their combined income, Jake and Kristy are able to afford a sizeable house in the suburbs of Chicago. Unfortunately, their marriage is turning out to be a dysfunctional one. A lot gets in their way, including trouble with Jake and his father-in-law, Russ Bainbridge, and also a visit from Jake's old friend, Davis McDonald, who comes with an unloving sexual partner! As time goes by, Jake and Kristy eventually face problems of a different sort.
Pretty much all aspects of this movie I didn't care for, including the bland characters and the performances from the cast members who play them. Alec Baldwin as Davis McDonald might be the worst, but nobody really stands out. Kevin Bacon is no exception as Jake Briggs, and this character's narration isn't very impressive. Since this is supposed to be a comedy, I guess the main problem is the lack of laughs. I did laugh a little at times, the job interview for instance, but the humour definitely more often fails than succeeds, and nothing is hilarious here. I especially didn't care for the part where Jake is laughed at by everyone in the waiting room. As well as laughs, John Hughes was known to have poignancy in his films, and there definitely are moments in this one that are supposed by be poignant, but they failed to grab me. It's not a very well written story, and watching this miserable marriage at different points through the years did not show me any reason why it should keep going. Eventually, I found that the film was getting a little frustrating to sit through, as it was pretty tedious.
John Hughes wrote and produced more than he directed in his film career, but of the eight movies he wrote AND directed (most of which he produced as well), many viewers might say that "Curly Sue" is the weakest. However, after watching "She's Having a Baby", I disagree. His 1991 film may be inferior to most of the other films in his directing credits, but I would say it is at least superior to this 1988 effort, even if that's not the most popular opinion. Also, of all the films Hughes directed, this was the second one in which the protagonists were not high school students, the first of those being "Planes, Trains & Automobiles", starring John Candy and Steve Martin. That film is both hilarious and heartwarming, with outstanding characters and cast performances, but this one doesn't have any of those qualities. It basically seemed like the opposite of its predecessor to me in more than one way, as it is overall bland, bleak, unfunny, and listless, without any very notable characters/performances. With the way it made me feel, I cannot question why this movie doesn't get as much recognition as a number of other pictures which Hughes made in the same decade as this one.
Jake and Kristy Briggs are two young newlyweds, and after they get married, they move to New Mexico, where Jake studies to get a Masters Degree at graduate school, but he really doesn't like this, so he gives up before he reaches his goal. After this, the two of them move back to Chicago, where Jake manages to get a job as an advertising copywriter, after failing to fool his employers with his thoroughly dishonest resume, but still impressing them with it. While working at this job, he also aspires to become a writer. Kristy finds employment as a research analyst. With their combined income, Jake and Kristy are able to afford a sizeable house in the suburbs of Chicago. Unfortunately, their marriage is turning out to be a dysfunctional one. A lot gets in their way, including trouble with Jake and his father-in-law, Russ Bainbridge, and also a visit from Jake's old friend, Davis McDonald, who comes with an unloving sexual partner! As time goes by, Jake and Kristy eventually face problems of a different sort.
Pretty much all aspects of this movie I didn't care for, including the bland characters and the performances from the cast members who play them. Alec Baldwin as Davis McDonald might be the worst, but nobody really stands out. Kevin Bacon is no exception as Jake Briggs, and this character's narration isn't very impressive. Since this is supposed to be a comedy, I guess the main problem is the lack of laughs. I did laugh a little at times, the job interview for instance, but the humour definitely more often fails than succeeds, and nothing is hilarious here. I especially didn't care for the part where Jake is laughed at by everyone in the waiting room. As well as laughs, John Hughes was known to have poignancy in his films, and there definitely are moments in this one that are supposed by be poignant, but they failed to grab me. It's not a very well written story, and watching this miserable marriage at different points through the years did not show me any reason why it should keep going. Eventually, I found that the film was getting a little frustrating to sit through, as it was pretty tedious.
John Hughes wrote and produced more than he directed in his film career, but of the eight movies he wrote AND directed (most of which he produced as well), many viewers might say that "Curly Sue" is the weakest. However, after watching "She's Having a Baby", I disagree. His 1991 film may be inferior to most of the other films in his directing credits, but I would say it is at least superior to this 1988 effort, even if that's not the most popular opinion. Also, of all the films Hughes directed, this was the second one in which the protagonists were not high school students, the first of those being "Planes, Trains & Automobiles", starring John Candy and Steve Martin. That film is both hilarious and heartwarming, with outstanding characters and cast performances, but this one doesn't have any of those qualities. It basically seemed like the opposite of its predecessor to me in more than one way, as it is overall bland, bleak, unfunny, and listless, without any very notable characters/performances. With the way it made me feel, I cannot question why this movie doesn't get as much recognition as a number of other pictures which Hughes made in the same decade as this one.
I Appreciate the Subject Matter
claytonchurch115 February 2014
If you got married and had at least one kid, you'll appreciate this movie a lot.
Negatives:
1. There's nothing to brag about in the acting, though Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern do a nice job. 2. The script is just okay, and holds back what could have been a much better film.
Positives:
1. There are so few movies that focus on marriage, getting married, having a baby, living with your kids, or even a gut-wrenching divorce. I appreciate when a filmmaker takes on these subjects, which touch a lot of the population, but rarely are addressed in film. They are powerful subjects to which many, many people relate. However, the lion's share of films deal with meeting somebody and getting together--at most going to a proposal--but they don't deal with anything that follows that. This movie covers what follows, and anyone who has been through it can relate to the various issues through which you go in a normal relationship like this. 2. The labor and delivery segment of the film was pretty well done, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Recommendation:
Watch this movie, since there are so few movies that deal with the subject matter.
The movie "Marley and Me" (Owen Wilson & Jennifer Aniston) actually deals with all these things much better, with better acting and a better script. I know, that's a dog movie, but it's really not – it's really a movie about getting married, beginning careers, living as a married couple, and having kids. Other good movies in this category are "The War of the Roses" (Michael Douglas & Kathleen Turner), "Price Check" (Eric Mabius & Parker Posey), Regarding Henry" (Harrison Ford & Annette Benning), and "The Story of Us" (Bruce Willis & Michelle Pfeiffer).
Negatives:
1. There's nothing to brag about in the acting, though Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern do a nice job. 2. The script is just okay, and holds back what could have been a much better film.
Positives:
1. There are so few movies that focus on marriage, getting married, having a baby, living with your kids, or even a gut-wrenching divorce. I appreciate when a filmmaker takes on these subjects, which touch a lot of the population, but rarely are addressed in film. They are powerful subjects to which many, many people relate. However, the lion's share of films deal with meeting somebody and getting together--at most going to a proposal--but they don't deal with anything that follows that. This movie covers what follows, and anyone who has been through it can relate to the various issues through which you go in a normal relationship like this. 2. The labor and delivery segment of the film was pretty well done, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Recommendation:
Watch this movie, since there are so few movies that deal with the subject matter.
The movie "Marley and Me" (Owen Wilson & Jennifer Aniston) actually deals with all these things much better, with better acting and a better script. I know, that's a dog movie, but it's really not – it's really a movie about getting married, beginning careers, living as a married couple, and having kids. Other good movies in this category are "The War of the Roses" (Michael Douglas & Kathleen Turner), "Price Check" (Eric Mabius & Parker Posey), Regarding Henry" (Harrison Ford & Annette Benning), and "The Story of Us" (Bruce Willis & Michelle Pfeiffer).
Illogical and cliche
marco-11121 October 2000
Warning: Spoilers
Warning, spoilers ahead (even if I doubt that anybody hasn't seen this yet)
The movie starts off rather well, but about halfway through it falls apart and becomes a corny, sugary sweet, predictable and unrealistic 'harmony romance' mess. I mean, it's very obvious that there are serious problems in the main characters' marriage, but these problems are never solved but just forgotten.
Basically, as soon as she decides to have a baby behind his back (without even asking) all of their problems magically disappear without a trace or an explanation. Given what had happened up until that moment it would have been far more logical if the marriage fell apart rather than becoming the trite and cliche' 'having a baby will change everything' ending.
The two main characters' families and neighbours are also extremely one-dimensional, and don't seem to serve really any purpose if not to irritate the viewer, and they also mysteriously disappear from the movie as soon as the 'harmony moments' start.
I am sorry to be ripping this movie, but given the start I would have expected something more. 4/10 for me.
The movie starts off rather well, but about halfway through it falls apart and becomes a corny, sugary sweet, predictable and unrealistic 'harmony romance' mess. I mean, it's very obvious that there are serious problems in the main characters' marriage, but these problems are never solved but just forgotten.
Basically, as soon as she decides to have a baby behind his back (without even asking) all of their problems magically disappear without a trace or an explanation. Given what had happened up until that moment it would have been far more logical if the marriage fell apart rather than becoming the trite and cliche' 'having a baby will change everything' ending.
The two main characters' families and neighbours are also extremely one-dimensional, and don't seem to serve really any purpose if not to irritate the viewer, and they also mysteriously disappear from the movie as soon as the 'harmony moments' start.
I am sorry to be ripping this movie, but given the start I would have expected something more. 4/10 for me.
A Classic of the Era
duanem18 June 2005
I actually saw this film in the theaters (one of a handful of people in the world, I believe). Most people weren't prepared for John Hughes to break into more grown-up fare after his successful films about teens (Ferris Bueller, Pretty in Pink, etc.), and this film's failure (along with the failure of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles) forced Hughes into making commercially successful but artistically bankrupt crap like Home Alone.
Although I was in college when the film came out, I instantly fell in love with the story of this fictionalized version of Hughes own early married life. Kevin Bacon did some of his best work in this film, and Elizabeth McGovern is simply radiant as the "she" of the title. Alec Balwdin is thin and disgusting as the "best friend" who has an unrequited lust for his pal's wife.
Filled with surreal moments (which are par for the course today, in shows like Scrubs) where Bacon's character imagines his response (or the response of others) to various situations, several stand out. The wonderful suburban lawnmower scene, the moment when he imagines his in-laws giving sex advice ("Get your butt a little higher, Jake!"), etc.
As a young father, I have felt everything Jake felt as they ventured into parenthood. Fear, wonder, and a weird sense of losing your wife's body to something you don't quite understand. And as funny as the film is, it is also quite poignant at moments and full of heart.
The use of classic late 80's bands (a Hughes specialty) is excellent and quite extensive. Gene Loves Jezebel, Love and Rockets, XTX, Bryan Ferry, Everything But the Girl, and Kate Bush (whose song is used most effectively to tug at heart strings) are all used to highlight, comment on, and bring the story to life.
Highly recommended and easily Hughes' most heartfelt film.
Although I was in college when the film came out, I instantly fell in love with the story of this fictionalized version of Hughes own early married life. Kevin Bacon did some of his best work in this film, and Elizabeth McGovern is simply radiant as the "she" of the title. Alec Balwdin is thin and disgusting as the "best friend" who has an unrequited lust for his pal's wife.
Filled with surreal moments (which are par for the course today, in shows like Scrubs) where Bacon's character imagines his response (or the response of others) to various situations, several stand out. The wonderful suburban lawnmower scene, the moment when he imagines his in-laws giving sex advice ("Get your butt a little higher, Jake!"), etc.
As a young father, I have felt everything Jake felt as they ventured into parenthood. Fear, wonder, and a weird sense of losing your wife's body to something you don't quite understand. And as funny as the film is, it is also quite poignant at moments and full of heart.
The use of classic late 80's bands (a Hughes specialty) is excellent and quite extensive. Gene Loves Jezebel, Love and Rockets, XTX, Bryan Ferry, Everything But the Girl, and Kate Bush (whose song is used most effectively to tug at heart strings) are all used to highlight, comment on, and bring the story to life.
Highly recommended and easily Hughes' most heartfelt film.
The title is wrong
Vibiana29 July 2020
A movie called "She's Having a Baby" should give the titular character something to do other than wear the pregnancy pad and act bourgeois. Most movies in the late 1980s, including Betsy's Wedding and Pretty Woman, were really about the male lead actor rather than the titular characters. I can forgive them that, out of nostalgia if nothing else. But an actress as perceptive and talented as Elizabeth McGovern deserved more than this part gave her.
As for comparing it to the earlier films in the John Hughes ouevre ... hey, everybody has to grow up sometime. As someone who was eighteen when "Sixteen Candles" came out, I was a little old for his movies but enjoyed them nonetheless. I wasn't ready to be having a baby in 1988, but I felt he was proceeding with the generational coterie at a believable pace.
As for comparing it to the earlier films in the John Hughes ouevre ... hey, everybody has to grow up sometime. As someone who was eighteen when "Sixteen Candles" came out, I was a little old for his movies but enjoyed them nonetheless. I wasn't ready to be having a baby in 1988, but I felt he was proceeding with the generational coterie at a believable pace.
He's having a quater-life crisis.
el723 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I can agree with other reviewers that a lot of this movie's issues at the box office probably had to do with mis-marketing. The title makes it sound like the movie is about a woman having a baby. That's only one plot point. This movie is about a guy trying to figure out if he really wants to settle down, even while he is in the process of actually settling down. Some of the most entertaining sequences take place fully in Jake's (Kevin Bacon) imagination as he projects on the rather surreal suburban situation he finds himself in. Some of the most moving sequences are about the title situation, including possibly the best match of a beautiful pop song to the action taking place on screen (which, incredibly, was written post production exactly for those scenes by Karen Bush and yet still stands entirely on its own). The problem, though, besides the fact that the title alludes to something that doesn't happen until way late in the plot and is not given much screen-time, is that Jake is kind of a self-involved doofus. It is very difficult to sympathize with him sometimes, although Bacon charms and tries his best. The character as written has a bit of the same problem that Ferris Bueller as written has: is this guy for real? But that late plot point comes around to save the movie in the end. It's a watchable film, but I would not call it this director's greatest.
Underrated John Hughes comedy; fine chemistry between Bacon & McGovern
george.schmidt22 April 2003
SHE'S HAVING A BABY (1988) *** Kevin Bacon, Elizabeth Mc Govern, Alec Baldwin, William Windom, Cathryn Damon, John Ashton, Edie McClurg, Dennis Dugan. Frequently accurate domestic comedy about newlyweds Bacon and McGovern who finally decide to procreate amidst the usual barriers including family and money. Smart script and direction by John Hughes with a sharp turn of events by the film's climax with an effectively dramatic birth sequence; I got misty eyed for Bacon and the plight of his newborn accentuated by the song "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush. Wait for the credits with some celebrities coming up with names for the baby.
Nice and charming film if somewhat lacking
TheLittleSongbird8 June 2011
I like John Hughes a lot, so naturally I wanted to see She's Having a Baby. She's Having a Baby is not Hughes' best movie by a long shot, and is not a masterpiece but it is a watchable and charming movie. It is too short, unevenly paced having the odd dull stretch in the middle, has some weak spots in the script and the story is rather predictable. However, it is nicely filmed, has a beguiling soundtrack, it does have its funny and charming sequences, the direction is assured, the ending did get to me and I thought it was beautifully done, and the performances from Kevin Bacon, Kirsty Briggs, Alec Baldwin and the rest of the cast are natural and not too forced. Overall, a nice if lacking film. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Why do relatives do that?
lee_eisenberg20 January 2023
I had heard about John Hughes's "She's Having a Baby" for years but only now got around to seeing it. This lighthearted story of a couple's journey from marriage to parenthood is nothing special, but the performances make it work.
One scene that stands out is when the parents are visiting and start pestering the recently married couple about having children. Sure seems like parents do that a lot, whether or not a couple even wants to have children. The US has actually seen a baby bust over the past decade due to the lack of well-paying jobs, concerns about adding to the strain on resources, and the coronavirus.
Anyway, it's worth seeing. In addition to Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern, the cast includes Alec Baldwin (now charged with involuntary manslaughter due to an accidental shooting on the set of a movie last year) and Holland Taylor (currently in a relationship with Sarah Paulson).
So yes, apron strings, what do the men on the chain gang sound like?
One scene that stands out is when the parents are visiting and start pestering the recently married couple about having children. Sure seems like parents do that a lot, whether or not a couple even wants to have children. The US has actually seen a baby bust over the past decade due to the lack of well-paying jobs, concerns about adding to the strain on resources, and the coronavirus.
Anyway, it's worth seeing. In addition to Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern, the cast includes Alec Baldwin (now charged with involuntary manslaughter due to an accidental shooting on the set of a movie last year) and Holland Taylor (currently in a relationship with Sarah Paulson).
So yes, apron strings, what do the men on the chain gang sound like?
Paranoia
thenatureboy28 December 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Am I the only person that thinks that the wife in this movie is a complete control freak. She decides to go off the pill (without telling her husband); talks about their infertility to her mother (without telling him); and doesn't like his friends (what wife does).
On second thought, anyone watching this movie should be told the following disclaimer - "If this is your wife, get a good lawyer and get the heck out of your marriage."
Now I feel better.
On second thought, anyone watching this movie should be told the following disclaimer - "If this is your wife, get a good lawyer and get the heck out of your marriage."
Now I feel better.
Good movie but too short
tedm-82 January 2007
Good movie, particularly if your just married or are planning to get married. It suffers from lack of character development however, typical of a lot of these writer-director made movies; not enough feedback in the writing process. It would have been a much better movie if it was a 1/2 hour longer. There are some inconsistencies, also. Jake is a writer and you would expect that a writer would be a deeper thinker than his character, Jake only comes to a reconciliation of himself after events happen to him, rather than before. The movie would have been much better if Kristies character had been more developed. Adding some scenes between her and a close girlfriend to develop her character better would be the way to do that. She comes across in the movie as somewhat of a bitch, since none of her motivations for doing anything are explained - what attracted her to Jake wasn't even explained in the movie, which is pretty strange considering they are newlyweds.
Hughes says goodbye to teen films.
jane-4224 May 2001
In a not totally successful attempt to be taken seriously, and move into 'adult' films, Mr. Hughes gives us this film about a young married couple. True, it's got every cliche in the book in it, silly fantasy stuff and all that, but more importantly- it's got Elizabeth McGovern.
Clearly the best actress to have ever appeared in a John Hughes film, she lends a weight to it that elevates the sometimes silly material. Kevin Bacon (and his hair) is pretty good as her husband, but McGovern steals the movie with her quiet true moments of honesty. The 'teen film' fun that worked so well in other Hughes films falls flat here- like a favorite uncle whose jokes made you laugh when you were 9, but keeps telling them when you are 15 and you wish he'd find some new material. But I keep going back to McGoverns performance, because it's truly moving. Mr. Hughes most interesting films to me have real actors in them (Some Kind of Wonderful, Breakfast Club) and when his material bumps up against a true talent, some wonderful things can happen. If only he'd trust that it doesn't have to be tarted up with the silly fantasy stuff.
Clearly the best actress to have ever appeared in a John Hughes film, she lends a weight to it that elevates the sometimes silly material. Kevin Bacon (and his hair) is pretty good as her husband, but McGovern steals the movie with her quiet true moments of honesty. The 'teen film' fun that worked so well in other Hughes films falls flat here- like a favorite uncle whose jokes made you laugh when you were 9, but keeps telling them when you are 15 and you wish he'd find some new material. But I keep going back to McGoverns performance, because it's truly moving. Mr. Hughes most interesting films to me have real actors in them (Some Kind of Wonderful, Breakfast Club) and when his material bumps up against a true talent, some wonderful things can happen. If only he'd trust that it doesn't have to be tarted up with the silly fantasy stuff.
So sad!
badgirl91 April 1999
This is a wonderful movie. It is a mixture between Comedy and drama. There were many times when I wanted to cry. This movie is John Hughes at his best since The Breakfast Club. The 80's seemed to be a great decade for movies by John Hughes Like She's having a baby, Breakfast club, Ferris Bueller's day off and Sixteen Candles. The only thing I found strange of this movie is the fact that there were no talks of babies untill about 45 minutes into the film. All in All WELL DONE!
Hughes a little too flippant
gcd7026 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is definitely not John Hughes' genre. In his attempt to tackle this weighty subject, he has created a flippant, misfired show about life-time commitments. Hughes just can't stay serious about serious. There is not enough humour in here to make this a successful comedy, and the poignancy at crucial points is missing (so much potential in this area). Too many scenes shoot wide of the mark.
Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern are both likable and they make a cute couple, but the former has gone on to stronger roles and the latter; whatever did happen to Elizabeth McGovern?
Chicago is of course the setting, and Hughes employs the usual pop soundtrack (from former "Police" guitarist Stewart Copeland).
PS Stay tuned for the end credits when a crowd of Hughes' friends drop by.
Monday, January 26, 1998 - Video
Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern are both likable and they make a cute couple, but the former has gone on to stronger roles and the latter; whatever did happen to Elizabeth McGovern?
Chicago is of course the setting, and Hughes employs the usual pop soundtrack (from former "Police" guitarist Stewart Copeland).
PS Stay tuned for the end credits when a crowd of Hughes' friends drop by.
Monday, January 26, 1998 - Video
Fun and enjoyable. Bacon is a blast here.
ipswich-230 May 2000
It's difficult not to like this John Hughes movie which explores the relationship between Jefferson Briggs (Bacon) and Kristy (McGovern) from their wedding day till their baby's birth. The movie centers around how Bacon matures to become a responsible family man. The movie is portrayed through the eyes of new graduate Briggs and the audience moves along with his fears, plight and fortunes. Although not entirely original, there are moments throughout that you will empathize and laugh along with, mainly because we all went through this before. This is one of Hughes' definitive films from the 1980s and the music accompanying the movie is great, from Gene Loves Jezebel to Everything But The Girl and Kate Bush. Bacon is hilarious and McGovern gives an understated but effective performance as the wife determined to have a baby. Alec Baldwin is brilliant as Davis McDonald, the devilish best friend of Bacon who tries to dissuade him out of marriage. There are genuinely funny moments that pepper this movie throughout and makes it really delightful. There are the "high-brow" critics who slag this movie off. Don't be influenced by their views. This is an endearing and enjoyable movie.
Not bad
smn1026 July 2003
Not a great film, but enjoyable, nevertheless. Most of my points go for the scene near the end, with Kate Bush's hauntingly beautiful "This womans work", which always brings a tear to my eye. I loved the song before I realized it was in this film, which was my main reason for seeing the film in the first place.
Below par John Hughes film
studioAT21 November 2016
If 'Sixteen Candles' was John Hughes on the way up to his classic films like 'Pretty in Pink' and 'The Breakfast Club' then this film unfortunately is him on the way down.
There's lots of the things we've come to expect from his films, but the move into more serious issues, and a less witty script means that this one isn't as fondly remembered as Hughes's previous outings.
Bacon and McGovern do their best, as does Alec Baldwin, but it just feels like there's a big song missing from the soundtrack, or an iconic moment missing that would have elevated this film from being average to something great.
There's lots of the things we've come to expect from his films, but the move into more serious issues, and a less witty script means that this one isn't as fondly remembered as Hughes's previous outings.
Bacon and McGovern do their best, as does Alec Baldwin, but it just feels like there's a big song missing from the soundtrack, or an iconic moment missing that would have elevated this film from being average to something great.
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