Mamaboy

I was surprised how good this film is and how fast 2 hours went by. This is about teen pregnancy, hence not appropriate for all ages. The story is set in a small town, so the people know everybody and life is simpler with no drug or gang presence. I don't think I even saw one police car. There is a Christian presence that begins with Fire and Brimstone so over the top it is almost comical. But as the story progresses the elaborate sermons evolve and temper towards God's love, as it should. Most of the tale is inside a bubble, where the only life problems are high school issues like hazing and bullying. And of boy girl stuff like crushes, pitching woo, falling in love, then fighting and making up. But the real treasure is how teen motherhood is examined from a boy's point of view. What if the girl was all in for the sex, but wishy washy about love and commitment when the BOYFRIEND is with child? Or, what if the guy got fat, had morning sickness, or had to give up sports, parties and had to protect the baby? It's a lower budget film, so no dazzling effects, or even a believable technical explanation. But, that's not the point. Truthfully, the movie initially portrays the adults as hicks. And some treatment of religion borders sacrilege. But, I feel this was to move the story along and to give us a laugh so the serious subject matter is more digestible. Most of the kids are fresh faces, but there is veteran talent among the parents, church and school faculty. And in this story, they all step up to the plate when the kids need understanding, wisdom and warmth. I think writer suggest this s what teens wish their parents and community leaders could act like as a norm, as they face high school problems that are VERY real to them. The father of the expectant teen is exemplary in his approach to his obviously trouble youth. The school nurse is not at all helpful though. She is pure MILF humor. But again, it is a Rom Com. I think it's a heartwarming, date movie. I believe it's movie that parents should want their teens to see. Because, it's a thought provoking, cautionary tale about the danger of teen pregnancy. But it also it fosters understanding and respect for pregnancy in general. And it offers life lessons, with a sense of humor. Bravo!

I'm giving this movie 5 stars because I do love it and it's probably the best "weird" movie I've ever seen. And it's not the first time I see a movie on mpreg. Basing it on quality though I'd probably give it a 3.5. It's something different, it made me laugh, there were some heartwarming/sweet moments, and the main actors did well in their roles. (I loved the singing scenes as well.) None of the acting was cringe worthy for the minor characters either. It's the writing that is a mixed bag. The first half or so I really enjoyed for the most part. The second half had some unnecessary scenes (shopping for prom), and a couple over dramatic scenes (the church scene at the end were Lisa's father took Kelly to the front of the church felt like it belonged in a different era - her father is nuts - not Kelly's crazy uncle). Otherwise it was fun and probably the most realistic take on this topic in movies yet.Sidenote: The best part about the Biology class scenes in the movie's montage is watching the other students in the background react. Their facial expressions were priceless. ha*SPOILERs noteCharacter Talk: I really loved Kelly and Ditto. The actors/characters made the movie for me. Kelly's just such a sweet guy and selfless it's impossible not to love him. Ditto meanwhile is just so quirky he makes things fun. He's also a great friend. He definitely handled things way better than Lisa. Lisa was a good character too until her fear of judgement made her hard to like in the middle of the movie. And she can't recognize Kelly? The only bad I saw was her inability to speak up against others and lack of understanding that she'd probably be doing the same things as Kelly if she'd had the backbone to tell her dad she got pregnant in the 1st place. I can relate to being "scared of everything" but she should have faced those fears so not to hurt Kelly. But alas, movie drama. At least she's back to likeable at the end. Anyway, Kelly's dad was a good character too, though I wish their conversations weren't mostly about God but also being a parent since this is what the movie's more about, after all. Would have been nice for the mom to have a talk scene at the end with Kelly too. Could have taken the place of the couple unnecessary scenes.