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Critics would do well to focus on helping readers think about the movie, as Robertson does in the rest of her review. "[The movie] preaches the message that we are, essentially, alone in this world—without hope or meaning—until we connect with other humans. The view is not without merit, but believers know that in order to have successful relationships, we must first 'connect' with our Creator, who teaches us how to love others." She also addresses the way the screenwriters make lying a virtue. This kind of discussion is more productive territory for a film critic.

My Baby's Daddy flunks fatherhood

Director Cheryl Dunye puts three lifelong friends through the panic and trials of pending fatherhood in her new film My Baby's Daddy. Eddie Griffin, Anthony Anderson and Michael Imperioli star as pals from South Philly whose girlfriends simultaneously declare their pregnancies. Bewildered, the men are suddenly forced to learn how to put their adolescent behavior behind them and step up to the demands of responsible adulthood.

David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) says, "The film's heart is in the right place, but its crude sexual humor considerably coarsens the story's otherwise entertaining, though shopworn, men-and-dirty-diapers premise."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) calls it a "a lame, thoroughly insulting 'black' comedy about boys in the hood learning to become men by first becoming parents. These three 'fathers' are completely lame-brained and clueless until the time they need to step up to the plate and take on responsibility for the lives they helped to bring into the world. And even then, their ability to contribute to the positive upbringing of their children remains questionable."

Loren Eaton (Plugged In) writes, "I wish I could say that My Baby's Daddy has a good heart. In certain moments the film certainly seems to be trying. It urges men to be involved with their families. It lauds marriage (at times). And it celebrates fatherhood. On the way to those wholesome sentiments, though, audiences will run smack into ribald sexual jesting, constantly crude language, and a hefty dose of homosexual propaganda."

J. Robert Parks (The Phantom Tollbooth) says that he expected the film to be disastrous, because critics were forbidden to attend a sneak preview. But when he finally caught up to the film, he concluded, "It turns out My Baby's Daddy isn't horrible. The main problem … is this inconsistency of tone. You get the sense that the movie started out as a somewhat sensitive, if predictable, romantic comedy, but then it didn't test well in focus groups. More jokes, they yelled. More laughs, they demanded. Give us more farting!"

Revisiting The Station Agent

One of my favorite films of 2003, The Station Agent is winning more and more raves from religious press critics. First-time director Thomas McCarthy has made a quiet character study that throws three eccentrics together along a stretch of railroad where they overcome their poor social skills and learn to share their burdens, their interests, and their wisdom. It's a funny, delightful film. Peter Dinklage (Elf) plays an introspective train-enthusiast named Fin. Patricia Clarkson (Pieces of April, Far from Heaven) is Olivia, an eccentric artist with a troubled marriage. Bobby Cannavale deserves Oscar attention for his endearing, hilarious performance as Joe, manager of the local espresso counter. Michelle Williams (TV's Dawson's Creek) plays the attractive young neighborhood librarian who harbors a troubling secret.

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January (Web-only) 2004, Vol. 48