Recently, I sheepishly confessed to my coworkers that I had never seen the iconic 1987 film “Baby Boom.” They were shocked. How could I have overlooked Diane Keaton as a savvy New York management consultant who unexpectedly inherits a little girl instead of a fortune? I tried to defend myself by mentioning that I was busy enjoying films that truly mattered in that year, such as “Moonstruck,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Broadcast News.” My colleagues were not having it, and after enduring their silent judgment, I finally agreed to watch the Nancy Meyers classic, despite my skepticism that a movie about a working mom in the late ’80s would resonate in 2015. (Of course, it would be four years until single Murphy Brown faced criticism for her pregnancy from Dan Quayle.)
Surprisingly, I found “Baby Boom” to be a delightful mix of humor and social commentary, though it’s also cringe-worthy at times. The portrayal of a working mother’s struggles with her male coworkers still feels painfully relevant today. Here are my key takeaways from the experience:
- The film opens with a montage of women in power suits and voluminous hair, accompanied by a voiceover asserting, “Sociologists say the new working woman is the phenomenon of our time.” I chuckled at the idea of this “new phenomenon” as I reflected on today’s issues, like revenge porn, and longed for simpler days.
- Diane Keaton’s character, J.C., proudly embraces her nickname “The Tiger Lady,” which left me scratching my head. Why would she accept such a sexist moniker? It’s like calling yourself “That Queen B.” Also, can we talk about how Diane Keaton looks the same after all these years?
- James Spader was undeniably attractive back then, even if “The Blacklist” might have clouded my memory.
- Shoulder pads, while not everyone’s cup of tea, have a certain geometric charm. They sure gave a strong silhouette!
- However, J.C.’s belted suits were undeniably stylish. Why have we moved away from wide belts over suits? Michelle Obama showed us it’s okay! It’s time to bring back those bold belts!
- A priceless scene shows J.C. taking a phone call in bed, still wearing a nightgown styled like a dress shirt. She even has a Rolodex on her nightstand—talk about a status symbol! The mention of a speakerphone had me laughing at how far technology has come.
- The moment J.C. receives the baby at TWA’s arrivals lounge had me questioning everything from airport security to the absurdity of wills that stipulate such a handover. Note to self: time to update my will.
- Dropping the baby off at coat check in a fancy restaurant was played for laughs, but could you imagine that happening in today’s world?
- During a guilty shopping spree at FAO Schwarz, J.C. buys a Cricket doll—the one that famously chirps, “Are we having fun or what?”
- The adoption agency scene is a riot. J.C. hands off the child like she’s at a yard sale—it’s both funny and a little disturbing how easily children are passed around.
- When J.C.’s bosses strip her of her high-profile account and deny her a promotion due to her being a “frazzled mom,” it struck me as absurd yet painfully relevant. How many women today face similar discrimination in subtle ways?
- Her friends on the playground sported outrageous outfits and hairstyles that screamed ’80s. One even wore matching checked pants and flannel—definitely a look from a retro American Apparel campaign.
- J.C.’s love interest is played by Sam Steele, and I couldn’t help but research his younger days, wondering how time has changed him. Age catches up with all of us—actors, hit films, and even the twins who played Baby Elizabeth in this movie.
- For die-hard fans, “Baby Boom” did spawn a one-season TV series in 1988 featuring Kate Jackson, along with Joy Behar and Susie Essman. Yes, I missed that too, but at least now I can redeem myself after finally watching the movie!
In summary, revisiting “Baby Boom” was a nostalgic yet eye-opening experience that highlighted both the progress and the enduring challenges faced by working mothers. For further insights on home insemination and pregnancy topics, check out Intracervical Insemination, or explore Make a Mom for their expertise. Also, if you are looking for excellent resources on infertility, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive information.