Baby Boom (1987) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Baby Boom is a delightful 1987 comedy-drama film directed by Charles Shyer, starring Diane Keaton in one of her most memorable roles. The film explores the challenges of balancing career ambitions with the unexpected responsibilities of motherhood, making it a relevant story even decades after its release. With its charming performances, witty dialogue, and heartwarming narrative, Baby Boom has become a classic in the realm of 80s cinema.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, key performances, the cultural impact of the film, and where you can stream Baby Boom online in the U.S.
Plot Summary
Baby Boom introduces us to J.C. Wiatt (Diane Keaton), a successful, driven executive in Manhattan. J.C. is nicknamed “The Tiger Lady” due to her no-nonsense, career-focused attitude. She works tirelessly for a prestigious management consulting firm and has her life perfectly organized. With her high-powered career, live-in boyfriend Steven (Harold Ramis), and a fast-paced urban lifestyle, J.C. is living the dream by 80s corporate standards.
However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a baby girl, Elizabeth, from a distant cousin who passes away. Unprepared for the sudden responsibility of parenthood, J.C. is initially overwhelmed by the baby’s constant needs and her inability to balance work with caring for Elizabeth. Her professional life starts to unravel as she realizes that being a mother is not a job she can easily delegate or ignore.
In an attempt to escape the chaos, J.C. decides to move to a quiet farmhouse in rural Vermont, where she plans to regroup and continue her work remotely. While struggling to adjust to small-town life, she accidentally starts a successful baby food business after realizing the town’s local produce could be used to make high-quality, organic baby food. As her business takes off, J.C. learns to embrace motherhood and the joys of living a slower, more meaningful life, all while reconnecting with herself and finding love with a local veterinarian, Dr. Jeff Cooper (Sam Shepard).
Key Themes: Career vs. Motherhood
One of the central themes of Baby Boom is the tension between professional ambition and the responsibilities of motherhood. J.C. starts the film as a symbol of 80s corporate culture—ruthless, focused, and determined to rise to the top of her profession. However, the arrival of Elizabeth forces her to reassess her priorities and question the values that have driven her life up to that point.
The film humorously portrays J.C.’s transformation as she goes from a businesswoman with no experience in caring for a child to a loving mother who finds fulfillment in balancing her career with her personal life. Baby Boom captures the challenge that many women in the workforce face when trying to balance their professional aspirations with the demands of raising a family.
Diane Keaton’s Standout Performance
Diane Keaton shines in Baby Boom, delivering a pitch-perfect performance as J.C. Wiatt. Keaton brings her signature wit and neurotic charm to the role, making J.C. a relatable and endearing character. Her comedic timing is impeccable, especially in the film’s early scenes, where J.C. struggles to adapt to her new life as a mother. Keaton’s ability to switch between comedy and drama gives depth to J.C.’s character, and her portrayal of a high-powered executive learning to embrace motherhood feels authentic and nuanced.
Keaton’s chemistry with Sam Shepard, who plays Dr. Jeff Cooper, adds a romantic element to the film that feels natural and sweet. Shepard’s laid-back, earthy character contrasts perfectly with Keaton’s high-strung, career-obsessed persona, making their relationship one of the film’s highlights.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast in Baby Boom provides excellent comedic relief and depth to the story:
- Sam Shepard as Dr. Jeff Cooper: Shepard brings a calm, grounded presence to the film as J.C.’s love interest, a rural veterinarian who helps J.C. adjust to life in Vermont. His down-to-earth personality contrasts nicely with J.C.’s corporate mentality, and their budding romance is charming without overshadowing the film’s primary focus on J.C.’s personal growth.
- Harold Ramis as Steven: Ramis plays J.C.’s unsupportive boyfriend, Steven, who quickly exits the picture once J.C. becomes a mother. His character represents the stereotypical corporate man who cannot handle the unpredictability of family life.
- James Spader as Ken Arrenberg: Spader plays J.C.’s ambitious and conniving colleague, Ken, who sees her struggles with motherhood as an opportunity to climb the corporate ladder in her absence. Spader’s sleazy portrayal of Ken provides a nice counterpoint to J.C.’s evolving character and adds an extra layer of corporate satire to the film.
A Feminist Take on the 80s Corporate World
Baby Boom is often seen as a feminist film, as it challenges the traditional roles of women in the workplace and in the home. J.C. is a woman who has achieved success in a male-dominated corporate environment, yet the film doesn’t shy away from highlighting the sacrifices she has had to make to reach the top. The movie doesn’t present motherhood as a burden or a limitation but rather as an opportunity for J.C. to redefine success on her own terms.
The film’s message, that women can both succeed in their careers and find personal fulfillment in motherhood, was particularly resonant in the 1980s, a decade when many women were entering the workforce in record numbers. The idea that J.C. could turn her new role as a mother into an entrepreneurial success story was a fresh take for its time, and it still holds relevance today.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Baby Boom became a hit upon its release and helped solidify Diane Keaton’s status as one of the top actresses of the era. The film’s mix of humor, heart, and social commentary on the role of women in the workplace struck a chord with audiences, particularly women balancing family and career.
The film was so successful that it inspired a short-lived TV spinoff in 1988, also titled Baby Boom, though it failed to capture the same magic as the original film. Nevertheless, the movie remains a cultural touchstone for its portrayal of women’s empowerment and its lighthearted take on the challenges of working mothers.
Where to Watch Baby Boom (1987) Online
If you’re looking to watch Baby Boom, there are several streaming and rental options available in the U.S.:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Baby Boom is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, with the option to purchase the film for $9.99. You can stream the film in HD on a variety of devices through Amazon.
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
The film can also be rented or purchased on Apple TV (iTunes). Rentals start at $3.99, and the purchase price is around $9.99. Apple TV allows for seamless streaming on Apple devices, making it a convenient option for fans of the film.
3. Google Play Movies & YouTube
Baby Boom is available on Google Play Movies and YouTube, with rentals starting at $3.99. You can also purchase the film for $9.99 and stream it on Android devices, smart TVs, and web browsers.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers the film for rent and purchase, with similar pricing to other platforms—$3.99 for rentals and $9.99 for purchases. Vudu supports HD streaming and is available on multiple devices.
5. Hulu
At the time of writing, Baby Boom is available for streaming on Hulu for subscribers. This makes it an easy option for those with a Hulu subscription to watch the film as part of their package.
Conclusion: Is Baby Boom Worth Watching?
Baby Boom is a charming, funny, and heartwarming film that tackles the timeless themes of work-life balance, motherhood, and self-discovery. Diane Keaton’s standout performance, combined with the film’s witty script and memorable moments, make it a must-watch for fans of 80s comedies and those interested in stories about women navigating the challenges of career and family.
Whether you’re revisiting this classic or watching it for the first time, Baby Boom offers plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and a thoughtful message that still resonates today. With its availability on various streaming platforms, it’s easy to find and enjoy this delightful film.
