"B" Rating by Robert W. Hammerle

Targeted for an audience largely ignored by Hollywood, namely women over 30, "Baby Mama" stands out like a welcome oasis in a cinematic desert. Sophisticated and intelligent, what an incredible relief to see women portrayed as something other than insipid ditzes often represented by Kate Hudson and Cameron Diaz.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler remind me of a modern day Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance. Poehler is a wonderful comedian, and Ms. Fey is perfect as her "bound-to-tightly sidekick." As she proved in "Blades of Glory" (2007), Poehler is superb at playing mean spirited white trash. It has been a long time since an actress this funny has appeared on the big screen.

As for Ms. Fey, her innate genuineness and likeability masks her rather limited acting ability. Here, she is perfectly cast as a 37-year-old single career woman who decides she wants a baby. She eventually is hooked up with Ms. Poehler through a surrogate service run by a pontificating, smug director smartly played by Sigourney Weaver. Pregnant herself, it takes a confident actress like Ms. Weaver to play a role where all of the jokes are centered on her advanced age.

This movie is at its best when Poehler flees her boyfriend and moves in with Fey. Their conflicting lifestyles and background form the basis of this splendid comedy, and the growth of their friendship adds a dramatic impact that elevates this film to a level not anticipated.

In addition, there are some wonderful supporting performances that make this movie what it is. Steve Martin is at his deadpan best as the ponytail wearing New Age head of Fey's company. Greg Kinnear plays a lawyer who, having fled the wasteland of corporate law, finds himself running a Smoothie store. In particular, his conflicted romance with Fey is both genuine and heartfelt.

Dax Shepard is absurdly hysterical as Poehler's conniving, incredibly stupid boyfriend. Romany Malco has some wonderful moments as Ms. Fey's doorman. But in particular, Holland Taylor has grand time playing Ms. Fey's mother, who is simultaneously caring and clueless.

For example, trying to understand why her daughter would want a child while living alone, she tells Fey, in words to the effect, "Now, we have all adjusted to your alternative lifestyle." After Fey responds, "Mother, being single is not an alternative lifestyle," she quickly responds, "It is when you are 37 years old." (Again, this is a movie for women about women.)

Ms. Fey's strength lies in the fact that men love her while she is non-threatening to women. She resembles a smart, savvy, sexy librarian who, in the words of Ms. Poehler, "has great legs." Poehler and Fey are a great team. Go and have some fun.