She’s Having a Baby Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dude freaks out about adulthood, then a baby happens, and suddenly everything’s fine, somehow.

🍿 She’s Having a Baby: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Nervous Wedding Day

Jefferson “Jake” Briggs, an aspiring writer, stands outside a church on his wedding day, riddled with anxieties. His best friend, Davis McDonald, reminds him of his long-standing love for Kristy Bainbridge, reassuring him. Jake marries Kristy, embarking on a journey into adulthood and married life.

Graduate School and Suburban Life

Jake and Kristy relocate to New Mexico for graduate school, but Jake quickly grows disillusioned and drops out. Returning to Illinois, he faces pressure from Kristy’s father to provide. Jake lands a job at an advertising agency, buying a house in the suburbs with Kristy. He feels trapped by responsibilities while still pursuing his dream of becoming a writer.

Temptations and Growing Up

Jake’s old friend Davis arrives, tempting him with the allure of a carefree, single life in New York. Kristy decides she wants a baby, stopping her birth control pills without consulting Jake. After some time, they face fertility tests. Davis returns later for his father’s funeral, confessing his unrequited love for Kristy, who rebuffs him, reaffirming her commitment to Jake.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jake Briggs (Kevin Bacon): A recent college graduate and aspiring writer struggling with the responsibilities of marriage and impending fatherhood.
• Kristy Briggs (Elizabeth McGovern): Jake’s wife, who desires to start a family and provides a stable presence as Jake navigates adulthood.
• Davis McDonald (Alec Baldwin): Jake’s best friend, a charming bachelor who represents the carefree lifestyle Jake fears leaving behind.
• Russ Bainbridge (William Windom): Kristy’s father, who is critical of Jake’s career aspirations and perceived lack of responsibility.
• Howard (Paul Gleason): One of Jake’s interviewers at the Chicago advertising agency.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jefferson “Jake” Edward Briggs: “And in the end, I realized that I took more than I gave, I was trusted more than I trusted, and I was loved more than I loved. And what I was looking for was not to be found but to be made.” – Jake reflects on his marriage and personal growth at the film’s conclusion.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,031,707
• Worldwide Gross: $16,031,707

💥 She’s Having a Baby Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a teen, and it seemed like such a grown-up movie! Now, it feels more like a time capsule. Kevin Bacon’s anxieties are relatable, especially the lawnmower scene—totally surreal. I teared up during the hospital scene; Kate Bush’s song gets me every time! It’s not perfect, but it’s got heart. I think if you liked other John Hughes movies you’ll enjoy this one!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s coming-of-age stories”
  • “Viewers interested in relationship dramas”
  • “Those who enjoy John Hughes’s films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Mature situations”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While Bacon and McGovern are likable, the film struggles with tonal inconsistencies and a lack of depth, hindering its ability to resonate emotionally. Hughes’ attempt at adult themes falls short of his teen classics.
• IMDb: “A somewhat uneven effort from John Hughes, ‘She’s Having a Baby’ explores marriage and impending parenthood with moments of genuine insight but is ultimately weighed down by broad humor and underdeveloped characters. The soundtrack remains a highlight.
• AllMovie: “John Hughes attempts a more mature theme, however, the film only has fleeting moments of depth, offset by goofy humour and an over reliance on comedic dream sequences. The soundtrack remains a saving grace.

Audience Reactions

The ending with Kate Bush’s ‘This Woman’s Work’ is incredibly moving and emotionally resonant.: Viewers appreciate the film’s soundtrack, especially the use of ‘This Woman’s Work’ during the childbirth scene, and the relatable portrayal of early married life.

Kevin Bacon’s performance captures the anxieties and humor of a young man facing adulthood.: The film’s humor and surreal fantasy sequences are appreciated by many, despite some finding them jarring.

Overall Consensus: A mixed bag from John Hughes, ‘She’s Having a Baby’ is appreciated for its nostalgic charm, relatable themes, and strong soundtrack, but criticized for tonal inconsistencies and underdeveloped characters.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film features cameos from various celebrities suggesting baby names during the end credits, adding a lighthearted touch.”
• “John Hughes wrote the screenplay, drawing inspiration from his own early married life and experiences.”
• “The movie is shown on the television in the motel scene in ‘Planes, Trains & Automobiles’ (1987), even though ‘She’s Having a Baby’ hadn’t been released yet.”

🖥️ How to Watch She’s Having a Baby?

Currently, ‘She’s Having a Baby’ can be streamed on Paramount+. It is also available for rent or purchase through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for possible television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed She’s Having a Baby, you might like these similar films:

• Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987): Another John Hughes film from the same era that explores adult themes with comedic elements and features cameos from actors who also appear in ‘She’s Having a Baby’.
• Nine Months (1995): Shares a similar theme of an expectant father dealing with the anxieties and humorous situations surrounding pregnancy and impending parenthood.
• Knocked Up (2007): A modern comedy that explores the unexpected challenges and humor of unplanned pregnancy and early parenthood.

🛒 She’s Having a Baby Related Products

• The Breakfast Club (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Experience John Hughes’ iconic coming-of-age story with a stunning Criterion Collection restoration. Includes special features and interviews with the cast and crew. The Breakfast Club and She’s Having A Baby were both done by John Hughes.
• Sixteen Candles [Blu-ray]: Relive the awkwardness and hilarity of high school with this classic John Hughes film. Features bonus content and a crisp Blu-ray transfer. Sixteen Candles and She’s Having A Baby were both done by John Hughes.
• She’s Having a Baby [DVD]: A young married couple go through good times and bad in this comedy-drama.
• Kate Bush – The Whole Story [Audio CD]: Includes many of Kate Bush’s greatest hits. Including This Woman’s Work.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Apron Strings” – performed by Everything But The Girl
• “This Woman’s Work” – performed by Kate Bush
• “Haunted” – performed by Gene Loves Jezebel
• “So Alive” – performed by Love and Rockets

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Real Meaning Behind MISERY

Ever wondered what ‘Misery’ is REALLY about? Ryan Hollinger breaks down the underlying themes and symbolism in this awesome video. Trust me, it’ll make you see the movie in a whole new light!

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