If a movie fails to capture your attention within the first few scenes, it's clear that it's not delivering on its promise.
Amy Schumer’s latest film, “Kinda Pregnant”, is kinda boring.
The story revolves around Lainey Newton, a teacher in her 40s who is struggling with where she’s at in life. Her Gen Z co-worker Shirley (Lizze Broadway) is absolutely horrified by her mere existence.
She’s young, obnoxious, and permanently glued to her phone, broadcasting her life on Instagram with a little beaded phone leash.
And Shirley hates this, and, well, everything about her colleague.
Before deciding to fake a pregnancy, Lainey had high hopes for a proposal and even told nearly everyone she’d have a ring by the end of her date.
But she misread the signs as her boyfriend wasn’t planning a marriage proposal but wanted a threesome instead. Ouch.
Not dealing well with ageing, Lainey decides to go full on psycho (let’s be real) in an attempt to fit in. By that, I mean she fakes being pregnant.
She finds a baby bump at a retail store and commits to the lie, convinced that pregnancy is the golden ticket to getting attention and special treatment.
Her twisted logic? Pregnant people get all the perks: endless concern from strangers, free seats on public transport, and the social licence to eat whatever they want without judgment.
Never mind that her best friend had to hide her pregnancy news from Lainey to avoid “disappointing” her.
The film's exploration of Lainey’s character also mirrors the toxic friendships women often navigate.
There are a few comedic moments scattered throughout but they’re hit or miss. Some jokes land while others are as dry as stale bread.
The film lacks spark but Will Forte and Schumer’s romance saves it a bit. Their chemistry is charming, making their scenes engaging.
Schumer doesn’t shy away from unpacking how unsexy real-life intimacy can be and it’s one of the few times the film genuinely delivers on the comedy.
While the film about friendship, it doesn’t follow through with it. Lainey and her bestie’s bond feels like an afterthought.
And what a waste of casting Jillian Bell. This woman is a comedic powerhouse (“22 Jump Street,” “Brittany Runs a Marathon” and “Girls Trip”) yet this film does her dirty.
At the end of the day, “Kinda Pregnant” is a story about misery, not growth.
If you’re looking for a comedy with heart, this ain’t it. But if you want something to put on in the background while scrolling through TikTok or your Sunday reset, well … go for it.
∎ “Kinda Pregnant” is streaming on Netflix.
** significant flaws but some merit.