Friends With Kids

Actress and writer Jennifer Westfeldt, who made a big splash with her movie, "Kissing Jessica Stein," wins again in the affable "Friends With Kids." The film features Westfeldt's husband, the dreamy Jon Hamm, plus a powerhouse ensemble cast including Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Adam Scott, Chris O'Dowd, Megan Fox and Edward Burns. This pleasant but predictably familiar film shares the story of a close-knit group of friends whose lives are changed when they become parents. As the couples pair off and go from fun-loving newlyweds to Scotch-swilling harridans, the last two singles, Westfeldt and Scott (who carries the picture), turn a gimlet eye to the effect that kids have had on their friends' relationships, and wonder if there's a better way to make it work. In an effort to sidestep the "mixed blessing" that is children, Jason and Julie inexplicably decide to have a child together, while still dating other people. Their experiment turns heads, leading their friends to question everything they know about friendship, family and true love. This cute film clocks in at just under two hours, which is frankly, a little longer than the laughs provide for. The bawdy and sexually frank dialogue won't go over well with all parents, but the familiar tale of soulmates blinded to the love they share is touching. While the film doesn't break any new ground in the rom-com field, it does provide a fresh take on the old adage, "You can't have your cake and eat it, too." Kudos for a hilarious dinner table scene, and the cross-town dash at the movie's climax. But points off for Westfeldt's low return when blessed with such a comically gifted cast. Special features include deleted scenes with optional audio commentary, a gag reel, a "Making of" featurette, and audio commentary by Westfeldt, Hamm and Director of Photography Will Rexer II.

"Friends With Kids"
Available July 17
Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Blu-Ray $39.99
DVD $27.98