Not a film for the big kids

Newborns have never been so mundane.

The international documentary “Babies,” directed by Thomas Balmes, follows the first year in the lives of four babies, each from a different country and culture of the world. The four children, Ponijao of Namibia, Bayar of Mongolia, Mari of Japan, and Hattie of the United States each possess the same characteristics of a typical newborn. They cry, sleep, and become fascinated with their surroundings. While there are moments of undisputed cuteness, like scenes in which the babies interact with animals, there are also scenes of boring daily chores like baths, cradling, and first steps to which only a real parent could relate.

All in all, the film was a disappointment. Without some sort of dramatic cinematography, compelling sound or voice track to keep the film’s energy intact, it felt like little more than a home movie compilation.

If you are more interested in differences between cultural natal practices than in watching a baby puke and cry, then you should see this movie. But if you don’t want to have a lesson in anthropology while at the theater, you should spend your money elsewhere.