Baby Boom Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A corporate shark inherits a baby, moves to Vermont, and starts a gourmet applesauce empire because… baby!

🍿 Baby Boom: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The ‘Tiger Lady’ and an Unexpected Inheritance

J.C. Wiatt is a driven management consultant in New York City, known as the ‘Tiger Lady’ for her dedication to her career. Her life revolves around climbing the corporate ladder, leaving little room for personal relationships or a family. One night, she receives news that she has inherited a baby girl, Elizabeth, from a distant relative.

From Executive to Mother

J.C.’s world is turned upside down as she struggles to balance her demanding job with the responsibilities of caring for a baby. Her boyfriend leaves, unable to cope with the sudden change. She faces challenges at work, with colleagues undermining her and her boss questioning her commitment. She even tries to give Elizabeth up for adoption, but has a change of heart.

Vermont and a New Beginning

Feeling overwhelmed, J.C. impulsively quits her job and moves to a dilapidated farmhouse in Vermont with Elizabeth. Life in the country proves to be more difficult than she imagined, with numerous repairs needed on the house and financial struggles looming. Desperate, she starts making homemade apple sauce, which unexpectedly becomes a local sensation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton): A driven New York businesswoman whose life is upended when she inherits a baby.
• Elizabeth Wiatt (Kristina Kennedy / Michelle Kennedy): The infant who unexpectedly becomes J.C.’s responsibility, changing her life completely.
• Dr. Jeff Cooper (Sam Shepard): A Vermont veterinarian who becomes J.C.’s love interest and offers a different perspective on life.
• Steven Buchner (Harold Ramis): J.C.’s boyfriend, who is not willing to accommodate a baby in their relationship.
• Fritz Curtis (Sam Wanamaker): J.C.’s boss, who expects her to prioritize her career above all else.
• Ken Arrenberg (James Spader): J.C.’s ambitious assistant, who seizes the opportunity to advance his career when she becomes distracted.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• J.C. Wiatt: “I should not have to choose between a career and a family. No one should.” – Said when J.C. rejects the offer to sell her baby food company, realizing her priorities have shifted.
• J.C. Wiatt: “I’m not a mother, I’m a businesswoman!” – J.C. exclaims this in disbelief early in the movie when faced with the reality of caring for a baby.
• Fritz Curtis: “One would take it for granted that a woman like this has it all. One must never take anything for granted.” – The narrator’s voice, setting up J.C.’s seemingly perfect life before it’s disrupted by the baby.
• J.C. Wiatt: “The rat race will have to do with one less rat.” – J.C. says this when quitting her job, deciding to leave the corporate world behind.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $26,712,476
• Worldwide Gross: $26,712,476

💥 Baby Boom Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this with my mom when I was little and loving it. Rewatching it now, it’s still so relatable! J.C.’s struggle to balance work and motherhood felt so real. The Vermont scenes were beautiful. I especially loved the ending where she chose her new life, applesauce and all!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Diane Keaton”
  • “Viewers interested in 80s romantic comedies”
  • “Parents who can relate to the challenges of balancing work and family”
  • “People who enjoy feel-good movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Brief comedic situations involving a baby”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “A surprisingly charming and insightful comedy about a high-powered businesswoman who unexpectedly becomes a mother. Keaton shines as the “tiger lady” forced to confront her priorities.
• AllMovie: “While somewhat predictable, ‘Baby Boom’ is a genuinely funny and heartwarming story elevated by Diane Keaton’s performance. It’s a sweet, if slightly saccharine, look at the challenges of balancing career and motherhood.

Audience Reactions

Diane Keaton’s comedic performance is outstanding.: Viewers loved Diane Keaton’s portrayal of the career woman turned mom, and the film’s overall heartwarming message.

Overall Consensus: A feel-good comedy with a strong lead performance, although some find the plot predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The screenplay was written by the husband-and-wife team of Charles Shyer and Nancy Meyers, who also collaborated on other successful films like ‘Private Benjamin’ and ‘The Parent Trap’ (1998).”
• “Kristina and Michelle Kennedy, the twins who played baby Elizabeth, later became teachers. Diane Keaton had a memorable reunion with them years later at a book signing.”
• “The movie was filmed in various locations, including New York City and Weston, Vermont, capturing both the fast-paced urban life and the serene countryside.”
• “Diane Keaton’s character was initially conceived as even more ruthless and career-obsessed, but Keaton softened the character to make her more relatable to audiences.”

🖥️ How to Watch Baby Boom?

Currently, ‘Baby Boom’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check these streaming services for current availability and subscription options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Baby Boom, you might like these similar films:

• Mr. Mom (1983): A career-driven parent suddenly becomes the primary caregiver, dealing with similar comical situations and role reversals.
• Three Men and a Baby (1987): Released in the same year, it also explores the comedic challenges of unexpected parenthood, but from a male perspective.
• Something’s Gotta Give (2003): Another Nancy Meyers film starring Diane Keaton, exploring themes of career, love, and unexpected life changes later in life.
• Working Girl (1988): A strong female lead navigating the challenges of the corporate world while balancing her personal life in the 1980’s
• I Don’t Know How She Does It (2011): Modern take on a working mother trying to balance a demanding career with family life, dealing with similar struggles of time management and societal expectations.

🛒 Baby Boom Related Products

• Baby Boom [Blu-ray]: Own the classic ’80s movie on Blu-ray. Perfect for collectors and fans. Enjoy the film in enhanced visual and audio quality.
• Diane Keaton: A Biography: Dive deep into the life and career of the iconic actress, Diane Keaton. Get to know more about the actress and her works.
• Vintage 80s Inspired Power Suit Blazer: Channel J.C. Wiatt’s iconic 80s power dressing with a vintage-inspired blazer. The shoulder pads are awesome!
• The Applesauce Cookbook: Classic and Creative Recipes: Inspired by the movie, create your own delicious applesauce variations with this cookbook. It includes both classic and unique recipes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Baby Boom features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Everchanging Times” – performed by Siedah Garrett

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Baby Boom (1987) – Rectal Thermometer Scene (5/12) | Movieclips

Remember that hilarious scene with the rectal thermometer? This video captures that unforgettable moment, and honestly, Diane Keaton’s reaction is priceless!

Generation Comparison (1901-2024)

Ever wonder where the term ‘Baby Boomer’ comes from? This video breaks down all the different generations and helps you understand what makes each one unique. I learned a lot about my own family!

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