MOVIE REVIEW: "WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING"

Still from What to Expect When You're Expecting

Intertwining the experiences of five Couples in New York City, What to Expect When You're Expecting brings to the Big Screen Stories inspired by Heidi Murkoff's popular Pregnancy Books of the same name. As often is the case with Movies with All-Star Casts, Story Lines do suffer, but Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Everybody's Fine) successfully manages to draw some strong performances from his highly talented (and recognizable) Ensemble.

In this super-sized Rom-Com we meet Jules (Cameron Diaz) and Evan (Matthew Morrison), a Couple who are united by a Dancing with the Stars-esque Reality TV Series. We also meet Gary (Ben Falcone) and Wendy (Elizabeth Banks) - the latter a Breastfeeding Advocate and Pregnancy Expert whom herself is struggling to become pregnant. Gary's Father Ramsey (Dennis Quaid) and young Stepmother Skyler (Brooklyn Decker) might be divided by an age gap, but their zest for life is the glue which binds them together. Marco (Chace Crawford) and Rosie (Anna Kendrick) run competing Food Trucks and one day that passion for competition spills over into their personal lives. Alex (Rodrigo Santoro) and Holly (Jennifer Lopez) are a Couple just getting established in their Careers, now contemplating Adoption. Although their lives are rather different, these Couples are all joined by one common thread - they are expecting Children.  They each soon learn though that this isn't quite what they were expecting.

What to Expect When You're Expecting is well aware of its stature primarily as a Comedy, yet it hits all the correct notes emotionally, capturing the essence and beauty what it means to become a Parent and giving the gift of Life. Some of the Humour borders on Judd Apatow-crude, yet through it all, the experience is rewarding.  Tears and sniffles are unavoidable, judging at least from the response at the Screening I attended.

Lopez truly delivers some of her best work here, while Banks is commanding whenever she appears.  Decker may be a Newcomer to Film, but holds her own against several Black Type sorts here.  Most natural on-screen is the sizzling Chemistry between Kendrick and Crawford, although their intriguing Story Line falls flat after showing much promise early.

What to Expect When You're Expecting gives Ladies the right to be "Pro-choice" at Theatres this weekend amidst the Battle of the male-centric Blockbusters.  Alliance Films releases Friday, May 18, 2012.

ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE "WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING" IN TORONTO, OTTAWA, HALIFAX & WINNIPEG

Official Artwork for What to Expect When You're Expecting

Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Everybody's Fine) brings us a star-studded Affair like none other with What to Expect When You're Expecting. Based on the bestselling Pregnancy Guide by Heidi Murkoff, the Rom-Com brings together five interconnected Couples with Babies on-the-way. As they learn though, life isn't always what you expect!

What to Expect When You're Expecting stars Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Brooklyn Decker, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Dennis Quaid, Chace Crawford, Rebel Wilson, Matthew Morrison and many more!

Alliance Films and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to give Readers a chance to see this year's most hotly-anticipated Rom-Com before everybody else! To qualify, simply click "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also this corresponding Post before Sunday, May 13, 2012. Remember to indicate for which City you would like Passes.

Double your odds by Re-Tweeting the following:

@MRWILLW wants you to see What to Expect When You're Expecting. Passes available for HFX, TO, OTT and WPG. #MRWILLWBABY http://tinyurl.com/cwmo6eo

You must also be following on Twitter here. 

Screening Dates are as follows:

Ottawa & Halifax - Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Toronto & Winnipeg - Thursday, May 17, 2012

NOTE: If you have restricted Privacy Settings on Facebook, please ensure you leave an E-mail address or your Twitter account so that I can reach you back. Good luck, Mavenati!

Alliance Films releases What to Expect When You're Expecting on Friday, May 18, 2012. Remember also to follow Alliance Films on Twitter too!

Watch the Trailer for What to Expect When You're Expecting below:

"BATTLESHIP" OPENS AT #1 IN 26 TERRITORIES

Battleship Promo Photo

Believe it or not, Battleship is pulling-in some major numbers overseas as per Deadline.  The Action/Fantasy based upon the Board Game by Hasbro has debuted at number one in 26 territories, earning $58 million in its debut already. And even though it doesn't open in North America until May 18, 2012 via Universal Pictures, the $200-million Film starring Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker and Alexander Skarsgård is expected to debut huge here.

The odd thing however, is that its Star Kitsch seems to be veering more towards success overseas when he actually is known best in these parts for his work on Football Series Friday Night Lights - about as American as it gets. Case in point, Disney's John Carter already has made over $200 million out of the total $269 it has earned thus far at the Box Office, has come from foreign territories.

Even I had to re-watch the Trailer to see what the fuss was all about! Will you be seeing Battleship next month?

Watch the Trailer below:

"WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING" POSTERS

Official Artwork for What to Expect When You're Expecting

Hot Mama! Lionsgate Films just released these gorgeous new Posters for Rom-Com, What to Expect When You're Expecting with its all-star Cast. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Cameron Diaz, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Chris Rock, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chace Crawford, Rodrigo Santoro (in an amazing American accent!) and many more, this is the latest effort from Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Everybody's Fine). The Movie follows five Couples expecting their first Child in New York City and hits theatres May 11, 2012.

J-Lo isn't even showing here. Are we sure she's preggers?  What's the deal?

See more Posters below: