The Boss Baby: A Whimsical Take on Sibling Rivalry and Corporate Intrigue
“The Boss Baby” is an absurdist animated family comedy that revolves around a young boy and a baby who turns out to be a corporate manager from the heavens.
The story centers on seven-year-old Tim, who is accustomed to receiving undivided attention from his parents. However, his life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of a new baby brother, who quickly becomes the center of his parents’ world. Tim struggles to adjust to this change, especially because he notices peculiar things about the baby: he wears a suit, carries a briefcase, and behaves far more maturely than a typical infant.
Driven by curiosity and a desire to reclaim his parents’ affection, Tim begins to investigate his baby brother. He discovers that the “Boss Baby” is actually a high-ranking employee of Baby Corp., a celestial company responsible for the production and distribution of newborns. The Boss Baby’s mission on Earth is to thwart the impending launch of irresistibly cute puppies, which threaten to steal the love and attention that would otherwise go to babies. If the mission fails, the Boss Baby will be stuck on Earth forever. However, if he succeeds, he will return to Baby Corp. and receive a well-deserved promotion.
Seeing an opportunity to get rid of his baby brother, Tim reluctantly agrees to help the Boss Baby complete his mission.
Fun Fact: The film was originally slated for release in 2016, but DreamWorks Animation chose to release “Kung Fu Panda 3” instead.
A Balancing Act: Humor for All Ages
The primary goal of any family-oriented animated comedy is to entertain both children and their parents, offering humor that appeals to different age groups. If a film relies too heavily on childish jokes, it can become tiresome for adults. Conversely, if a film is filled with too many adult-oriented jokes, children may become bored and confused.
While “The Boss Baby,” produced by DreamWorks Animation, may not be a genre-defining masterpiece, it excels at achieving this delicate balance. The film is packed with slapstick humor and gags that will appeal to children, but it also includes plenty of subtle jokes and heartwarming moments that resonate with parents.
Nostalgic Touches and Engaging Action
Set in the 1980s, “The Boss Baby” incorporates nostalgic elements that will appeal to viewers who remember the era of cassette tapes and other cultural touchstones. While some of these references may be more relatable to American audiences, the film’s overall charm and humor transcend cultural boundaries.
Plot
The plot of “The Boss Baby” is arguably its weakest aspect. The corporate rivalry between Baby Corp. and Puppy Co. feels somewhat inconsequential and lacks emotional depth. It serves primarily as a MacGuffin, a plot device used to drive the story forward and connect a series of events. However, the events themselves are entertaining, funny, and diverse, including parodies of corporate culture and espionage, a bicycle chase, a toy-weapon war, and an infiltration of an airplane as the little heroes head to Vegas to stop the super-puppy presentation.
Tim’s vivid imagination allows him to envision himself as a pirate, an ocean explorer, or an adventurer, adding layers of visual flair and surrealism to the already engaging action. Meanwhile, the Boss Baby’s combination of an adult voice, business-like demeanor, and infantile appearance provides endless amusement for younger viewers.
Heartfelt Themes and Family Values
Beyond the humor and action, “The Boss Baby” promotes the importance of family and love. As Tim and the Boss Baby spend more time together, their relationship evolves from animosity to affection. The film subtly suggests that love is more valuable than material possessions or corporate success. Ultimately, “The Boss Baby” is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the bonds of family and the joys of siblinghood. It is particularly well-suited for families expecting a new addition, helping older children understand and embrace the arrival of a new baby.