THE RANT

develop some humanity and provides the story with a more realistic conflict than the one she has with Gwendolyn. Applegate as Gwendolyn is almost reminiscent of Rachel McAdams’ Regina George from Mean Girls; a character with a seemingly perfect existence there to make the protagonist’s life difficult. She is composed, clean-cut, organized, long-winded, proper, and vindictive. She can be extremely nice and turn around to flip a table in a fit of rage when someone challenges her will. She is the reason Amy decides it is time to be a “bad mom” and escape the confines of domesticity.

            Gwendolyn and Amy represent two extremes: perfect and rudimentary. But even their entertaining exchanges lose their appeal when Amy decides to be sympathetic toward Gwendolyn instead of putting her in her place. The character that demands (and deserves) attention in Bad Moms however, is Carla. From the moment she is introduced, it is clear she will be one of the most grounded and imperfect aspects of the movie. She says what she feels regardless of the consequences and is ultimately what Amy strives to be. At the same time, Hahn brings realness to the character and a majority of the action occurs because of her. Though she is one of the most developed characters from the start, Carla still manages to grow as a mother and learns that she can raise her son and maintain friendships.  

            Bad Moms has flaws and is far from a perfect film. It will not appeal to anyone who has never felt the need to escape and make connections with like-minded people to achieve a goal. However, it has more heart than The Hangover because it is not just a movie about mindless partying and getting in trouble. Some of the scenes are far-reaching and unlikely to happen in the real world without consequences, but it is interesting to see an interpretation of some of our hidden desires (here’s lookin’ at you, grocery store party scene!) on screen. Perhaps if a woman would have written and directed this film, we as an audience would have felt more connected to what it is like being a mother, even if we are not mothers ourselves. Maybe more of the comedic cues would have transferred to laugh out loud moments as opposed to minor chuckles. That is not to say however, that this movie is terrible. The cast is solid for the most part and the film has worthwhile imagery. Bad Moms should definitely be added to your “Summer Watch List” (even if you go on discount day)!