“Write what you know” was the advice taken by Ben Elton, British writer whose 1999 novel Inconceivable features protagonist that represents fictional version of himself. In 2000 the novel was adapted into feature film Maybe Baby, also written and directed by Elton. The protagonist is Sam Bell (played by Hugh Laurie), man who seemingly have everything he would wish for – successful career of screenwriter at BBC and beautiful wife Lucy (played by Joely Richardson). What Bells don’t have are children and, after repeated attempts to have them naturally, they go at extreme lengths to have them in another way – ranging from pagan witchcraft to fertility treatments in clinic operated by sadistic Dr. James (played by Rowan Atkinson). Baby still doesn’t come and the frustration begins to affect Sam’s professional life, resulting in writers block. Sam in desperation listens to the friend’s advice and uses his frustration as inspiration for another script. BBC is so enthusiastic about it that it uses it for the film which is going to be directed by celebrated Scottish film maker Ewan Proclaimer (played by Tom Hollander). Problem for Sam that he didn’t say a word about it to Lucy and when the production starts, his marriage will be in jeopardy.
Ben Elton is best known as one of the writers of Blackadder, one of the most popular sitcoms in the hostory of BBC. While making Maybe Baby he gathered some of its cast and that included Hugh Laurie who played the protagonist and Rowan Atkinson. Joely Richardson, actress better known for her good looks or serious dramatic roles, is also quite effective in comedic role. Despite their strong performances, most impressive was Tom Hollander in the role of arrogant director. However, all those efforts at times seem wasted because Elton’s script shows author’s inability to decide whether his work should be comedy or drama. Maybe Baby begins strong with couple of truly funny scenes, but, as plot progresses, they are few and far in between. Rising dramatic tension is resolved in a cop out which is more in line what you could expect from mediocre Hollywood romantic comedies. Although watchable, Maybe Baby represents disappointment to all those who based their expectations on the names behind and in front of camera.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
Blog in Croatian https://draxblog.com Blog in English https://draxreview.wordpress.com/ Leofinance blog https://leofinance.io/@drax.leo
Unstoppable Domains: https://unstoppabledomains.com/?ref=3fc23fc42c1b417 Hiveonboard: https://hiveonboard.com?ref=drax Bitcoin Lightning HIVE donations: https://v4v.app/v1/lnurlp/qrcode/drax Rising Star game: https://www.risingstargame.com?referrer=drax 1Inch: https://1inch.exchange/#/r/0x83823d8CCB74F828148258BB4457642124b1328e
BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7
