Bad Moms: Movie Review
Although they have only directed one other feature film (2013’s “21 & Over”), Jon Lucas and Scott Moore are both responsible for writing “The Hangover” trilogy, “Four Christmases”, and “The Change-Up”. Their comedy ranges from mildly amusing to easily forgettable. Sure, “The Hangover” series was a hit, but only the first movie actually delivered laughs. So how does “Bad Moms” fair? It is probably one of their funniest films to date. It’s not very good, but at least it has a likable cast and does deliver a nice chunk of laughs.
Amy (Mila Kunis) is fed up. She is being overworked and underpaid at the coffee company she works at. Her children Dylan (Emjay Anthony) and Jane (Oona Laurence) take her for granted, and she just caught her husband having cybersex with some other woman. If that wasn’t enough, Gwendolyn (Christina Applegate), the President of the PTA just assigned her a task that pushed her past the breaking point. Amy has had enough. She is no longer going to try to be a good mom, she rather be a bad mom.
It turns out, Amy isn’t the only one who feels this way. She happens to make friends with two other stressed out mothers, Kiki (Kristen Bell) and Carla (Kathryn Hahn). The trio wind up spending a lot of time together, and enjoy some much needed self-indulgence. Amy no longer cooks breakfast for her kids, and she basically gives herself time off from work. Gwendolyn, her friends Stacy (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Vicky (Annie Mumolo) are not too pleased with Amy’s recent behavior and after an uncivil confrontation, Amy decides to run for PTA President. This leads to an all-out war, that unfortunately affects the children as well.
“Bad Moms” major saving grace is Hahn, who is responsible for most of the laughs here. In one scene her character chugs a gallon of chocolate milk in slow motion and then proceeds to run after a security guard in a drunken rage. It sounds strange, but that scene is absolutely hilarious. Clark Duke and Wendell Pierce have minor supporting roles here, and it’s a shame. I felt those two could have added a bit more to the film. Kunis is always charming and and Bell is equally likable here. If you were a fan of Oona Laurence in last year’s “Southpaw”, she is still the most adorable child working in film today.
“Bad Moms” should do quite well at the box office. This has been a disappointing summer to say the least, but there really hasn’t been much geared towards young women. That alone should get butts in the seats. At least there are enough funny moments to make for an enjoyable time at the movies.
By: Marc Ferman