Look Who’s Talking was released in 1989. (same year Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure came out) It earned mixed reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to divisive reactions, it managed to make a lot of money at the box office. Two sequels titled, “Look Who’s Talking Too” & “Look Who’s Talking Now” were released in 1990 & 1993. Unlike the first film, the sequels earned negative reviews.
A possible fourth sequel set thirty years after the first movie is in the works. As of early 2021, I have no confirmation if John Travolta & Kirstie Alley will reprise their roles.
Today’s review doesn’t contain no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever. Keep in mind this review is pretty short. It’s not a big budget epic as per se “The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy.” Just a simplistic rom-com. Does Look Who’s Talking still holds up? Let’s find out shall we?
Positive & Negative Aspects
Positive: John Travolta (who haven’t made a hit since The People VS. OJ) & Kirstie Alley (hasn’t been around since her failed sitcom on TV Land) both did a decent job for their respective performances.
Bruce Willis provides the voice of Mikey. He did a great job for his voiceover performance. I think the reason why he wanted to be in this movie, is because he wanted to make something for his then newborn daughter Rumer. Bruce improvised one liners.
Fun Fact: Both John & Bruce later appeared in “Pulp Fiction.” Only this time they have onscreen scenes together. According to an in review, Quentin Tarantino admits romantic comedies are his guilty pleasure. I would assume Look Who’s Talking is one of them.
Other Cast Members such as George Segal (the grandpa from The Goldberg’s & the late Abe Vigoda (Tessio from The Godfather) both did a good job for their respective performances.
Amy Heckerling (Fast Times At Ridgemont High) did a good job writing and directing. By the way, she also wrote and directed the critically panned sequels. Oh how the mighty have fallen.
Cinematography never had any technical problems throughout.
Chemistry between James, Molly & Mikey serves as the main highlight which felt organic.
After Molly gives birth to Mikey. She’s looking for somebody compatible who can take full responsibility for her son’s wellbeing.
Once scene pays homage to the infamous walking scene from “Saturday Night Fever.” Obviously featured John. Duh!
A nightmare scene pays homage to Jackie Chan hanging on to a clock is taken from “Project A.”
Seeing Kirstie eat on camera predates her weight problems. At least she’s trying hard to lose weight. Good for her.
The late Joan Rivers has a voiceover cameo as a newborn.
A race to the hospital via taxi cab reminds me of the video games “Crazy Taxi” & “The Simpsons Road Rage.”
Before I was given sex education at school, the opening scene with sperm traveling to the egg, made me fully realize where babies come from. I watched Look Who’s Talking when I was 9 or 10.
Practical Effects were used to create sperm traveling to the egg. Puppets were created to build a fetus. Whenever I see a fetus all I can think of is “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
James’ ambitions to become pilot is actually pretty funny when John is actually a real life pilot.
Without giving anything away, Molly’s co-worker, Albert gets his comeuppance for being a complete asshole. In the words of Joker, “You get what you fucking deserve!”
The Ending sets up Look Who’s Talking Too. The sequel however, wasn’t as good.
Negative: A “we are done” cliche happened. In most romantic comedies or buddy cop movies, you already know a pair will eventually put aside their differences and reconcile. I find this temporary break-up trope predictable.
I may not be an expert on labor, but Molly sounds like Freddy Krueger possessing her yelling, “FUCK MY BREATHING!” If anybody is a certified doctor, please leave a comment.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BRILLIANT!
Look Who’s Talking is a surprisingly good rom-com. Although I’m not a fan of rom-coms, this is one of the only good ones. If you’re looking for something to watch, try out Look Who’s Talking. If you want watch the sequels. So be it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 