Film Review: Alec Baldwin Puts the Funny in ‘The Boss Baby’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 30, 2017 - 5:54pm

CHICAGO – The young Alec Baldwin (think “Prelude to a Kiss”) never seemed as prevalent as the today’s Alec Baldwin. Taking his “30 Rock” persona to a different level, he voices the title character of ‘The Boss Baby,” the latest from Dreamworks Animation and director Tom McGrath.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

The film works well on a couple levels – as a warm story on family dynamics when a new baby comes into a sibling’s territory, and as a hilarious satire on American business, especially during the 1960s Mad-Men era. Baldwin’s interpretation of Michael McCullers’ screenplay adaptation (of a children’s book by Marla Frazee) is the highlight of a conventional we-gotta-save-the-world type story. Riffing on crass businessmen is a Baldwin specialty, and he takes the Boss Baby and lifts it to a height where the mere presence of the character elicits laughs. Director Tom McGrath (“Madagascar” series, “Megamind”) uses a familiar animation style from the past to create awe inspiring, giggly production designs that are reminders of “The Apartment,” “Network” and “How to Suceed in Business Without Really Trying.” That sophisticated look, along with Baldwin, is what puts this animated film above and beyond.

Seven-year-old Tim (voice of Miles Bakshi) has got it made. As the only child of his parents (Jimmy Kimmel and Lisa Kudrow) he has all of there love and attention, while indulging in his deep imaginative world. This is shattered when his baby brother (Alec Baldwin) is introduced to him, and immediately sucks up all the attention in the household.

Tim discovers that this “Boss Baby” (as the brother likes to call himself) has an adult voice and an odd little business suit that he wears (“isn’t it cute,” coos the proud parents). Tim finds out that the baby’s mission is to infiltrate PuppyCo and their CEO Francis Francis (Steve Buscemi), so that cute puppies won’t overtake the Baby Factory for human’s attentions. Tim and the BB are adversaries at first, but team up to accomplish the mission.

“The Boss Baby” opens everywhere in 3D and regular screenings on March 31st. See local listings for 3D theaters and show times. Featuring the voices of Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi, Lisa Kudrow, Jimmy Kimmel, Miles Bakshi and Tobey Maguire. Screenplay adapted by Michael McCullers. Directed by Tom McGrath. Rated “PG”