Junior

The movie Junior, released in 1994, features a distinctive plot that blends comedy, drama, and science in a union as unique and surprising as the movie's central theme itself. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the movie stars renowned Hollywood actors Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, and Emma Thompson in pivotal roles where they masterfully navigate the plot's twists and turns, their excellent performances exhibiting the perfect balance of humor, subtlety, and unexpected sentimentality.

In the film, Schwarzenegger portrays the character of Dr. Alexander Hesse, a typically tough and stern-faced scientist known for his strong stoicism. His character is a research geneticist who believes in the importance of his work and its potential to contribute significantly to the field of modern medicine and biology. He partners with Dr. Larry Arbogast, a slightly more eccentric character played with perfect comedic timing and charm by Danny DeVito. These two researchers are busy in their pursuit of creating a new drug, Expectane, that can dramatically reduce the chances of a woman miscarrying her baby. However, their highly promising research gets caught in the tangles of bureaucracy, and their funding is cut off.

At this point, the plot gradually takes a wild turn that sets it apart from any typical comedy or medical-drama. Determined to prove the effectiveness of their drug, the daring scientists decide to conduct an experiment deemed ethically and biologically impossible. They aim to impregnate a male subject with an embryo, making it possible for him to experience a full-term 'pregnancy.' After a failed attempt to source a willing female participant for their project, they decide to turn to the only remaining alternative. As a result, Schwarzenegger's character, Dr. Hesse, ends up being the 'pregnant man,' an unpredictable development that spurs much of the movie's comic relief and poignant moments.

Emma Thompson as Dr. Diana Reddin adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Dr. Reddin oversees the egg donation program at their research facility. She is a clumsy yet brilliant individual, whose humorously uncoordinated physical demeanor is contrasted sharply by her formidable intellectual prowess. Thompson carries off her role with both elegance and humor, lending an added depth to her character as she becomes unwittingly involved in the central experiment.

This unique scenario of a 'pregnant man' provides a humorous yet reflective platform to ponder the nature of pregnancy and the stereotypes and perceptions surrounding it. The movie cleverly maneuvers Schwarzenegger’s macho image, largely present due to his action-hero roles, and places him in a starkly contrasting situation. As Dr. Hesse grapples with his unexpected predicament, the narrative delves into the various challenges, emotions, and experiences associated with pregnancy, albeit through a comedic lens.

The absurdity of the premise enriches the plot, as the characters navigate situational comedy, fumbling cover-ups, and realistic emotional reflections on their unusual circumstances. The seamless acting, combined with strong character development and a gripping storyline, paints a rich cinematic tapestry. Peppered with both laugh-out-loud moments and scenes of strangely poignant depth, the film presents a unique take on pregnancy by stepping away from traditionally perceived norms.

The quartet of Reitman, Schwarzenegger, DeVito, and Thompson, previously successful in the hit comedy Twins, deserve credit for making Junior a captivating and unforgettable movie. The blend of comedy, drama and science fiction elements is truly distinctive and surprisingly heartwarming.

Though not devoid of scientific inconsistencies, Junior doesn't aim to be a hard-core scientific or medical drama but is more inclined towards exploring the human angle of the researchers and their impromptu experiment and the hilarity that ensues. With plenty of signature Schwarzenegger humor, DeVito's charismatic performance, and Thompson's brilliant portrayal of a quirky scientist, Junior serves as an entertaining film that is worth watching for those in search of a comedy with a difference. The movie's outstanding performances, comedic pacing, and biting wit sit comfortably alongside heartwarming sentiments and commentaries on biological norms. The end result is a distinctive film that provides laughter, provokes thought, and even tugs at the heartstrings in unexpected ways.