Story:
Bad Moms follows the story of a mother named Amy Mitchell (Mila Kunis) who seems to have it all but is succumbing to the pressure of being a perfect mother. So she and her newfound friends Kiki and Clara (Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn) decide to free themselves from their traditional motherly responsibilities and rebel against the Queen Bee-type PTA president Gwendolyn (Christina Applegate).
Ups:
What really makes this film work is the terrific ensemble. After a few major hiccups with Oz: The Great and Powerful and Jupiter Ascending, Mila Kunis is given a vehicle that is worthy of her comedic yet also dramatic talents. Kristen Bell was also quite good as her line delivery showcases a rather comedic desperation from her character who enjoys her newfound freedom yet feels trapped in her traditional form of motherhood. However, as great as those two ladies are, Kathryn Hahn was an absolute scene stealer as Carla. I've seen Hahn be funny before on Parks and Recreation but it was interesting to see her play a character that is more crass and raunchy. Almost every line that comes out of her mouth had me in stitches.
Also, I thought it was interesting how some of the film's funniest scenes involved the use of slow motion. Usually, we see a heavy use of slow motion in action films. So I'm guessing that the filmmakers for this film wanted to make it somewhat unique and innovative so that it doesn't seem like yet another raunchy female-centered comedy.
Lastly, I want to give the writers/directors Scott Moore and Jon Lucas points for coming up with a more original concept and allowing some themes to unfold. Because our main character feels so caught up in being a Mary Sue-type mother figure, she loses sight of the fact that no mother or parent for that matter is perfect. So by liberating herself, she and the other characters in the film begin to realize the fact that no mom is perfect and not only improve upon their flaws but somewhat embrace them. Parents will often make mistakes and sometimes, that's okay.
Downs:
Now, I won't lie, the story does get predictable at the very end. But other than that, there's not really a glaring flaw that I can think of. It was never going to get any Oscar traction whatsoever. But as long as you go in expecting some laughs, you'll probably enjoy it for what it mostly is.
Consensus:
Overall, Bad Moms is a hilarious romp thanks to its triumphant performances from the cast with a humanistic story about persona growth hidden underneath all its raunchiness. If you think it might just be another crass female comedy like Bridesmaids, I'd say go and give it a chance. Go with some friends on a night out and have a fun time!
Grade: B
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