The Boss Baby preview

trailer review

The Boss Baby

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of watching the ‘90s (supposed) comedy film Baby Geniuses (1999), then you’ll be forgiven for being wary of movies with talking baby protagonists. So it comes as quite a surprise – and relief – that even though at first glance the upcoming The Boss Baby may seem like an animated rehash of the aforementioned cinematic atrocity, its trailer promises an altogether different, significantly funnier adventure.

The plot of the film revolves around the impact that the addition of a new bundle of joy has on a family.

The new arrival in this case is the Boss Baby (voiced by Alec Baldwin), a suit-clad, briefcase-carrying infant who joins the Templeton family, much to the dismay of seven-year-old Tim (Miles Bakshi), who sees his parents’ – Mr. and Mrs. Templeton (Jimmy Kimmel and Lisa Kudrow) – focus shift from him to his little brother.

While trying to win back their affection, Tim discovers that his newest family member can actually talk. The Baby, it turns out, is on a mission to find out why there isn’t enough love to go around anymore. The brothers will supposedly have to set aside their rivalry in order to restore the balance of love and make things right.

The voice cast seems impressive, even though Alec Baldwin’s involvement (as well as the character design) inevitably lead to Donald Trump comparisons.

The basic premise of the film – which is loosely based on Marla Frazee’s 2010 picture book of the same name – may not feel very inventive but it does have the potential of resonating with viewers, especially those with younger siblings.

While it remains to be seen how well the conspiracy elements will fare, The Boss Baby does seem to be quite amusing in the clips that focus on the family aspects of the story and the dynamics between the two brothers. As long as the mission storyline doesn’t degenerate into inanity, this DreamWorks Animation offering could potentially be quite entertaining.

- Sameen Amer

The Express Tribune Blogs - 3rd March, 2017 *