BLU-RAY REVIEW: Bad Moms

Courtesy of Universal

Bad Moms, one of the year’s biggest cinematic success stories (it made nearly $300 million worldwide), hit Blu-ray and DVD this week. Thanks to a handful of deleted scenes, a gag reel (always a fan favorite) and a series of sweet, funny interviews with the cast and their moms, I would imagine it’s about to experience a ridiculously prosperous second life.

The movie, a solid comedy aimed at an audience that’s often underrepresented in the current studio system, focuses on an overworked mom (Mila Kunis) who chooses to fight back against an inescapable culture that demands perfection from mothers – no matter how unrealistic that expectation might be. Along the way, she makes some great friends (Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn) and annoyingly perky enemies (Christina Applegate, Jada Pinkett Smith).

As the constantly exhausted, stressed-out father of two young daughters, I can vouch for how relatable the subject matter is (although it’s taken to cartoonish extremes, of course). I’m often over-praised because I’m a dad who simply lives up to his responsibilities, whereas it’s simply expected for my wife to do the same thing. The double-standard is maddening to me, so I can’t even imagine how it makes her feel.

Bad Moms is packed with terrific actresses having the time of their lives – particularly Hahn, who turns in some absolutely bonkers work. Although a handful of scenes feel like they’re trying too hard push the envelope, most of the movie strikes just the right tonal balance between raunchiness for the sake of story and being crude for no reason. When the film leans in the former direction, it’s hilarious, surprisingly touching stuff.

Bad Moms is rated R for sexual material, full frontal nudity, language throughout, and drug and alcohol content.

Grade: B