Director: Kirk Jones

Stars: Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Elizabeth Banks, Jennifer Lopez, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker

3.5/5

The world renowned pregnancy help guide on which it’s based has sold 16 million copies, so a film adaptation of 'What To Expect When You’re Expecting' was always going to be a tricky one to conquer.

In the same vein as 'Love Actually' and 'He’s Just Not That In To You', 'What To Expect' features an all-star ensemble cast of characters who are interconnected in one way or another – in this case, five Atlanta based couples who are embarking on five very different journeys towards parenthood.

TV fitness guru Jules falls pregnant to her reality dance show partner Evan, 'The Breast Choice' shop-owner and children's author Wendy battles with the pregnancy hormones ravaging her body, while her husband Gary faces an uphill battle trying not be outdone by his competitive ex racing driver dad, who’s expecting twins with trophy wife Skyler.

Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a baby, but hubby Alex isn’t so sure he's ready to be a father, and rival food-truck owners Rosie and Marco deal with the consequences of having a one-night stand.

With the narrative swinging from one hormone-induced drama to the next, it's at times a bit predictable and the punch lines occasionally fall flat, but overall I, and the predominantly female audience I was viewing with, enjoyed continuous laugh-out-loud moments throughout.

There's something for most amongst the jam-packed 110 minutes of belly-popping, back-aching, pant-wetting action. If you’re a guy (who’s been unfortunate enough to be dragged along to this most definite chick flick), there’s the Chris Rock led gang of henpecked dads aptly named the 'Dude’s group', 'Twilight' followers keep an eye out for Anna Kendrick, and fans of 'Bridesmaids' will appreciate the casting of Aussie actress Rebel Wilson as Wendy’s assistant, Janice.

So did Hollywood manage to nail the film rendition – not quite, but you’re guaranteed a few good laughs, and will come away either relating to the film’s experiences, keen to have a baby, or put off having children forever.

'What To Expect When You’re Expecting' is in cinemas now.