Friends with Kids

On the surface, Friends with Kids might seem like it rolls off the assembly line of modern independent ensemble comedies.

It’s a modest and talky examination of relationships that offers some pleasant surprises, however, because of a strong cast and a script that is sharply observed in both its dramatic and comedic moments.

The film, which marks the directorial debut of actor-screenwriter Jennifer Westfeldt (Kissing Jessica Stein), is about exactly what the title foreshadows: how long-lasting friendships tend to change when the stress of raising children is thrown into the mix.

Such is the case with Jason (Adam Scott) and Julie (Westfeldt), both single friends in their 30s who watch their married friends struggle to cope with becoming new parents. So they come up with a different idea, having a child together and splitting the parenting duties while maintaining a platonic relationship that includes dating other people.

Initially, the concept appears to be a huge success that draws kudos even from within the pair’s skeptical inner circle. But eventually, they run into a different set of emotional difficulties.

Friends with Kids is a mostly lighthearted examination of the pitfalls of modern progressive parenting that might hit close to home with audience members facing similar circumstances. The pace is lively, with some amusing one-liners peppered throughout the dialogue.

Westfeldt attracted a talented comedic cast with a script that manages to overcome most of its contrivances and its reliance on sitcom-style bickering and predictable complications of Jason and Julie’s experiment.

Scott, who typically plays villains and sidekicks, demonstrates some leading-man potential even if his chemistry with Westfeldt is lukewarm and the pair’s lack of physical attraction is never fully explained. At least the periphery characters are amusing, with an ensemble that includes Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Megan Fox and Jon Hamm (Westfeldt’s real-life husband).

There doesn’t seem to be any grand social commentary or cautionary tale at work here, just an observation that some couples adapt better to parenting than others, and that unfortunately the kids sometimes are anonymously caught in between.

That’s hardly groundbreaking stuff, and neither is Friends with Kids. But it’s a mildly provocative and insightful effort that maintains an effectively playful approach to its subject matter.

Rated R, 107 minutes.