Maybe Baby (2000)

46% of critics liked it
(28 reviews)
47% of users liked it
(7,504 ratings)

In this light comedy directed by British writer-comedian Ben Elton, Sam and Lucy Bell (Hugh Laurie and Joely Richardson) are an upwardly mobile London couple who are trying desperately to conceive a baby. Along for the ride, which is laden with sperm-count and hormone-injection jokes, is a cast that… More In this light comedy directed by British writer-comedian Ben Elton, Sam and Lucy Bell (Hugh Laurie and Joely Richardson) are an upwardly mobile London couple who are trying desperately to conceive a baby. Along for the ride, which is laden with sperm-count and hormone-injection jokes, is a cast that reads like a Who's Who in British comedy. Rowan Atkinson makes an appearance as an obstetrician, Dawn French and Joanna Lumley show up as an Australian nurse and Lucy's snooty boss, and Emma Thompson has a stint as a New Age health freak. Adrian Lester and Tom Hollander also co-star, the latter as a Brit-loathing Scottish director. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Ben Elton
Written By: Ben Elton
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 1, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Apr 9, 2002
Studio: USA Films

Critic Reviews

Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
If ... you can still imagine that this might be just the kind of movie for you, please stay tuned for the forthcoming article about my resignation.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
Just a bit of romance-comedy fluff.
Jan Stuart, Newsday
A romantic comedy so slick you can see the reflection of a hundred better movies in it.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
This would be a stultifyingly incestuous affair even if all the jokes about fertilization weren't so tiresomely lame and predictable.
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
The problem with this romantic comedy is that although it eventually winds its way to a conclusion that feels right, it takes too many convoluted steps to get there.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
In alternating between farcical spoof and bittersweet romantic comedy, Maybe Baby maintains a surprisingly secure comic footing.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...innocuous, yet oddly charming...
Derek Tse, Jam! Movies
Somehow wastes an impressive cast of otherwise talented British comics and actors.
Wade Major, Boxoffice Magazine
Both poignant and outrageously funny.
Nikki Tranter, PopMatters
It features boring cliches and a positively awful leading lady.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Maintains a fairly smooth course on the delicate line between tenderly funny comedy and affecting, involving drama.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A good-natured comedy.
, E! Online
Cute but not great, this Baby's still a welcome bundle of joy.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

So much genuine talent wasted in this blah rather mean spirited purported comedy which has nary a laugh within. Watch only if you want to see many fine performers employed in a project beneath any of their talents.
Film C

i liked it i thought it was funny and different and hugh laurie is hot in it! worth a watch
xGary X

Hugh Laurie did some appalling crap before he settled into the role of the superb House, and this is one example. All the usual faces go through the motions of 30-something observational romantic comedy, directed by Britain's biggest sell out Ben Elton. An example of everything I… More
Hugh Laurie did some appalling crap before he settled into the role of the superb House, and this is one example. All the usual faces go through the motions of 30-something observational romantic comedy, directed by Britain's biggest sell out Ben Elton. An example of everything I detest about british comedy.
Barry L

Really good film.