The message is there obviously but this was a far cry from the high expectations I have of S.A. movies especially when there is a young talent.
It’s meant to be a comedy but I did not manage a smile. However, I would not judge any production based on my wry sense of humor.
I don’t know how to recommend this movie. The message is too advanced for early teens but there are significant scenes where the main characters behave like 12-year-olds and then immediately act like 35-year-olds. I am not clear who the target market is. I suppose if you have teens who are behaving too mature for their age, this may bring the message home.
Available on Netflix
Watch baby Mamas Trailer
The Story
Four fun-loving friends who have had different experiences with men are supporting each other, to make wise decisions so they can move on. While there are clear story-lines for each of the characters, there are no smooth transitions between drama and comedy, scene after scene making the whole thing gawky.
The Actors
Salamina Mosese, Donovan Piertersen, and Jonathan Boynton do a good job. My favorites were SK and my personal favorite Pamela Nomvete roles. I think they as always more than deliver and make us connect with their characters.
Baby Mamas Cast
Anthony Wilson – Ta’Chase
Ben Horowitz – Mr. Pickering
Bertha Ntseke – Receptionist
Claudia Noble-Areff – Ms. Johnson
Dineo Ranaka – Joy
Donovan Pietersen – Keenan
Esmeralda Bihl – Mam’Lizzie
Jet Novuka – Samuel
Jonathan Boynton – Lee – Michael
Kagiso Ramagaga – Waiter
Kay Smith – Chantel
Keneilwe Matidze – Busi
Khanyisile Bembe – Nurse
Khaya Mthembu – Ntuthuko
Lerato Mofokeng – Doctor
Mambuleni Ncube – Colleague
Nicholas Nkuna – Sizwe
Nkunzi Mlotshwa – Tshepo
Nomsa Silindza – H.R.
Pamela Nomvete – Mam’Sonto
Salamina Mosese – Toli
Siyakha Fikp – Thandiwe
Sthembiso Khoza – Tumi
Thalitha Ndima – Khethi
Thembisa Mdoda – Sandy
Vuyisile Pandwe – Magistrate
However, there is poor character development. An example is a character of. Dineo Ranaka who presumably should be the voice of reason yet is the comedian in the group, is supposed to be a lady yet is shaking her behind in the face of the porter at the parking lot. Basically, this character is not believable and the role is overacted. Either the script wasn’t followed, the actor had a mind of her own or the director was forcing comedy in a drama.
The constant childish screaming also just did not add up to the personality of the characters – what the characters were going through or doing. I think this is what makes the movie so disjointed – a contraption of drama and comedy.
Technical Construction
The crew did their job. I especially liked the scene where Toli comes to open a door for Michael in the office, the long shot was appropriate and communicated much more than the words said. The set up when they have dinner is also nice.
The music is good and so is the editing. I also like the tension when Sandy goes to meet her ex’s fiancee.
Conclusion
This is really not a comedy. Forcing it to be one just spoils it. Even serious matters can be comic. The director could have done better, so many beautiful people, good talent with -both actors and crew but just not bringing it home.
Rating
E for effort. This movie addresses important issues I just did not enjoy it and saw more to criticize than praise. I give it a 4/10
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