Maybe Baby

This deceptively light comedy, directed by British comedian and writer Ben Elton (television's Blackadder), concerns the happy/sad misadventures of London couple Sam and Lucy Bell (Hugh Laurie and Joely Richardson), who are trying desperately to conceive a baby. After a predictably funny round of verbal and sight gags about making love on a rigorous schedule, the film begins to darken a bit. As the Bells face mixed emotions and sundry humiliations as they turn to medical science for help, the jokes never really stop, but the film is finally not a convenient act of wish fulfillment, but rather a mature tale of evolving love. Laurie, best known for broad comedy, proves a fine leading man, and the lovely Richardson has never been more inventive or stirring. Decorating the proceedings are appearances by Rowan Atkinson, Dawn French, Joanna Lumley, and Emma Thompson, making this a real treat for Britcom fans. Recommended. (T. Keogh)