Apart from Frank Tashlin’s The First Time (it’s narrated by a fetus), talking baby movies are not my bag. Adding to the aggravation, this joins Spirit Untamed as the second film from Dreamworks Animation in as many months to base a sequel on a small screen counterfeit and not the spawning theatrical release, and it shows. Like any lazily conceived follow-up, this Baby laughs at the thought of continuation and character advancement, opting instead for the sparkly distraction of simply parroting its older brother. Ted (Alec Baldwin) and Tim (James Marsden) have grown up and apart. Tim is quick to admit that being a dad is the best job in the world. But his older daughter Tabitha (Ariana Greenblatt) is at that stage where it’s become hip to distance herself from dad. A handshake replacing a goodnight kiss is one thing, but there’s something downright creepy in the slow motion rage Tim undergoes while watching Tabitha kiss her Uncle Ted. The movie never finds a story on which to string its only sporadically amusing series of gags. For adults looking to experience the feel of being buried eyeball deep in a digitally enhanced ball pit for nearly two hours, look no further. (2021) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.