NINE MONTHS (1995)

Written & Directed By: Chris Columbus 
Based on the Screenplay “NEUF MOIS” by: Patrick Braoude 
Cinematography By: Donald McAlpine 
Edited By: Raja Gosnell & Stephen E. Rivkin 


Cast: Hugh Grant, Julianne Moore, Tom Arnold, Joan Cusack, Jeff Goldblum, Robin Williams, Ashley Johnson, Alexa Vega, Kristin Davis 


When he finds out his longtime girlfriend is pregnant, a commitment-phobe realizes he might have to change his lifestyle for better or much, much worse.


This film tries to position itself as a romantic comedy of sorts. The kind that came years before the similar KNOCKED UP but is really more of a comedy. Some could see it as a relations comedy, but most of the film seems more set up for physical comedic gags. That while the aforementioned movie more examined the neurosis and maintaining of a relationship. This one uses the relationship as a placeholder and just one more obstacle for the main character to finesse.

Hugh Grant is interestingly cast. As he comes across as a more dramatic actor with charm after FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL. He seemed caught playing purely in romantic comedies. Here he does what is required. Though the role is written so generally anyone could play it. Though would have to be accustomed to playing physical comedy more.

As he seems to be punished throughout the film and comes off more as a cad. Which makes it hard to root for him throughout. Even when he has seen the error of his ways. As he makes it clear from the beginning he doesn't want kids but his girlfriend figures this is just talk and once it happens he will be ready and big surprise at first he Isn't. Though at least he tries and though is treated like a jerk for his behavior when he made it clear from the beginning What his feelings with children are.

Surprisingly again Tom Arnold's energetic performance really helps the movie. Giving it a manic energy it needs. Which really kicks into high gear in the third act. Which with Robin Williams almost goes totally over the top. Even in a small role he just to adds more slapstick and manic comedy to the preceedings. Yet he still manages to fit and excite.

Tom Arnold and Joan Cusack like are the more experienced couple with plenty of kids who they befriend and coach them through not only the pregnancy. But their relationship as high grant feels the need to be chivalrous and marry his girlfriend before the baby is born. Even though this is rushing things quite a bit.

Jeff Goldblum Has a supporting role here meant to show or at least appeal to Grant's more social and playboy side. Showing how much fun it can be to be single and play around with women accepting no responsibility or relationships. While Goldblum's character never comes off as a jerk and seems more natural at it. He seems to represent the dark side or as close as this film gets.

As the girlfriend the movie doesn't leave Julianne Moore with much to do except react to grant's antics and have a breakdown scene when she decides to break up with him. The script doesn't really allow amber to do. Anything else. Joan Cusack has more to do and makes more of an impression than she does unfortunately. Though that seemed to be the fate of leading females in male centric comedies. Even if they leaned towards the romantic.

The third act of the film plays more like a mad cap screwball comedy. Especially when Julianne Moore's character goes into labor and high grant can't help but keep having to take more people to the hospital. Though at least the third act is earned throughout.

This film is a remake of a French film that I have never seen. Which makes sense as it seems around that time many more broad comedies were.

The film is surprisingly fun for what it is. As it offers no surprises but plenty of laughs you will see coming. Though leaves you with a smile on your face and you feel like you are having a good time while you watch.

It's not a bad film it's just very basic. It feels so common that while it's fun to watch you won't remember much a few days after just the mood it put you in. It's not artistic but more like a pick me up. As it attempts to be more a screwball comedy, but never reaches those heights.


Grade: C+