Casa de los Babys

The dean of American independent filmmakers, John Sayles writes and directs films that--at their best--combine literate scripts and intricate plot construction to create pictures that are both challenging and moving. Unfortunately, Casa de los Babys is not one of Sayles' best. The story of a group of U.S. women waiting in a hotel in an unnamed South American country for word on whether their applications to adopt local infants will be approved, the film boasts a stellar cast of actresses--Maggie Gyllenhaal, Marcia Gay Harden, Mary Steenburgen, Lili Taylor, and Daryl Hannah. But the roles have a touch of caricature, the dialogue is often stilted, and the themes come across as uncharacteristically heavy-handed. Casa de los Babys may be a sincere attempt to make a film sympathetic to the maternal instinct that also comments on the exploitative relationship between developed and developing nations, but in this case Sayles' reach exceeds his grasp. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director John Sayles, a 23-minute “making of” featurette, the 28-minute behind-the-scenes documentary “Beyond Borders,” the 22-minute featurette “On Location with John Sayles,” trailers, and a soundtrack spot. Bottom line: a fine extras package for one of Sayles' lesser efforts.] (F. Swietek)