If you like cute babies, outrageous hijinks, and funny one-liners, then Baby’s Day Out (1994) is for you!
This comedic adventure film follows Baby Bink, a sweet, smiley toddler, who is the only child in a wealthy family and is kidnapped for a $5 million ransom. He ends up outsmarting his three kidnappers and going on an adventure through the city that correlates with his favorite book, “Baby’s Day Out.”
This comedic adventure film follows Baby Bink, a sweet, smiley toddler, who is the only child in a wealthy family and is kidnapped for a $5 million ransom. He ends up outsmarting his three kidnappers and going on an adventure through the city that correlates with his favorite book, “Baby’s Day Out.”
This movie follows two conflicts – that of character vs. character (or baby, in this case) and character vs. self. The movie mainly focuses on the three criminals, played by Joe Mantegna, Joe Pantoliano, and Brian Haley, trying to catch Baby Bink.The other conflict, while a bit subtler, brings a deeper meaning to the story. At the beginning of the movie, Bink’s mother, Laraine Cotwell, played by Lara Flynn Boyle, is concerned with societal expectations. She rarely spends time with her son and often leaves him in the care of the nanny. When he goes missing, however, she realizes that the nanny knows more about Bink than she does. She struggles with this as the police search for her son, realizing that she may never have the chance to get to know him. This conflict is definitely a strength within the movie, as it provides more substance to the story.
Unlike many of his films, this John Hughes-written and produced film is actually driven more by the story than by the characters. However, with the slapstick comedy element (a Hughes trademark in and of itself) that is so prominent in this film, another Hughes characteristic is definitely apparent. For instance, Hughes was known for putting his characters in ridiculous situations that, in the real world, most people wouldn’t survive. In this movie, the three bad guys find themselves falling off high-rise buildings, catching on fire, and being attacked by gorillas, and yet, they still manage to get right back up. Then, there’s Baby Bink, who manages to crawl across a busy highway without getting one scratch. These funny moments are also a strength within the film.
Unlike many of his films, this John Hughes-written and produced film is actually driven more by the story than by the characters. However, with the slapstick comedy element (a Hughes trademark in and of itself) that is so prominent in this film, another Hughes characteristic is definitely apparent. For instance, Hughes was known for putting his characters in ridiculous situations that, in the real world, most people wouldn’t survive. In this movie, the three bad guys find themselves falling off high-rise buildings, catching on fire, and being attacked by gorillas, and yet, they still manage to get right back up. Then, there’s Baby Bink, who manages to crawl across a busy highway without getting one scratch. These funny moments are also a strength within the film.
Unfortunately, there are also several weaknesses within the movie. For example, toward the beginning of the movie, it seems that there might be a character arc for criminal Norby (Pantoliano). After the initial kidnapping, the three men take the baby back to their hideout, and Norby is tasked with reading to Bink as he falls asleep. Although Norby is illiterate, he tries to read a story to Bink. He is very gentle and seems to bond with the baby. I was disappointed when his character never developed any further.
Another problem was that Mantegna, who played the lead villain, Eddie, did not seem to be the right fit for this role. He seemed timid, which led to a lack of chemistry between the three actors. Eddie was supposed to be the leader of the three, but that didn’t translate well onto the screen. In a film that largely focuses on them and their comedic journey, when the chemistry is off, it shows.
Although there are some weaknesses, this film is a great stress-reliever for anyone looking for a good laugh with a meaningful message: spend all the time you can with your loved ones.
Another problem was that Mantegna, who played the lead villain, Eddie, did not seem to be the right fit for this role. He seemed timid, which led to a lack of chemistry between the three actors. Eddie was supposed to be the leader of the three, but that didn’t translate well onto the screen. In a film that largely focuses on them and their comedic journey, when the chemistry is off, it shows.
Although there are some weaknesses, this film is a great stress-reliever for anyone looking for a good laugh with a meaningful message: spend all the time you can with your loved ones.
Check back here next week for more reviews!
Film Grade: B-
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
2/23/18
Sources:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/babys_day_out/
http://coolspotters.com/actresses/lara-flynn-boyle/and/movies/babys-day-out
http://famousmoviereview.blogspot.com/2013/05/babys-day-out.html
Film Grade: B-
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
2/23/18
Sources:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/babys_day_out/
http://coolspotters.com/actresses/lara-flynn-boyle/and/movies/babys-day-out
http://famousmoviereview.blogspot.com/2013/05/babys-day-out.html