Labor Pains (2009)

A young woman pretends to be pregnant in order to avoid being fired from her job. When that gets her special treatment by everyone involved in her life, she tries to keep up the lie for nine months.

Director:

Lara Shapiro

Writers:

Stacey Kramer (as Stacy Kramer), Lara Shapiro

Stars:

Lindsay Lohan, Luke Kirby, Chris Parnell

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lindsay Lohan	...	Thea Clayhill
Luke Kirby	...	Nick Steinwald
Chris Parnell	...	Jerry Steinwald
Aaron Yoo	...	Miles
Bridgit Mendler	...	Emma Clayhill
Tracee Ellis Ross	...	Kristin
Kevin Covais	...	Greg
Bonnie Somerville	...	Suzi Cavandish
Cheryl Hines	...	Lisa DePardo
Creed Bratton	...	John Abbotts
Janeane Garofalo	...	Claire the Vista Host
Keiko Agena	...	Pregnant Bookstore Woman
Donald V. Allen	...	Umpire
Jack Axelrod	...	O'Keefe
Alexandra Barreto	...	Pretty Woman

Storyline

Thea Clayhill is the reckless secretary of arrogant publisher Jerry Steinwald. When Jerry fires her having had an accident with his beloved dog, Thea lies and tells him that she is four-months pregnant. Thea lost her parents in a car accident and raises her younger sister Emma alone and can not afford to lose her job. Jerry goes on vacation to be with his dog and his brother Nick Steinwald assumes his position. Thea decides to fake her pregnancy for more time with the support of her friend Lisa.

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Plot Keywords:

title directed by female | job | dog | secretary | sister | 

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Taglines:

All Her Career Needs is a Little Bump

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally made for cinema, but later released as a television movie.

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Goofs

When the dog vomits on the owner you can tell right away that it is not the dog but something lower than the dog's head and to the side of the dog that is 'throwing up'.

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Quotes

[after "borrowing" Mary's husband to do what is not unlike taking her from behind]
Pregnancy Class Instructor: Okay. All right. Finish up when you feel done. I need a few more. If you'll indulge me Mary, thank you.
[Mary looks bewildered]
Pregnancy Class Instructor: Okay, and just keep the rocking. Never stop rocking. Oh! Yes. Give it to me, Rob! We're doing it now. Oh! Okay. And we're done. Wonderful, thank you. This guy's good, right? I'm gonna borrow you for another class. Or after class. I'm kidding.

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Connections

Referenced in Entourage: Security Briefs (2009)

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Soundtracks

OK
Written by Holly Conlan
Performed by Holly Conlan
Published by Cloverbird Music (ASCAP)
Courtesy of CD Baby

User Reviews

Low-budget winner, for romcom fans; Lohan is funny and sweet, Hines is also very comedic

Thea (Lindsay Lohan) has been dealt a bad hand in the game of life, recently. After her parents were killed in an auto crash, she was forced to quit college and take charge of her high school aged sister. Since she lives in the Los Angeles area, expenses are high and it is a struggle. Thea slaves away at a relatively low-paying job as a personal assistant to a neurotic publisher. Her only allies and confidants are an associate publisher, Lisa (Cheryl Hines) and a goofy boyfriend, Miles (Aaron Yoo). But, one day, the boss' cherished pooch has an accident and the publisher leaves town to take the doggy to a hotshot clinic for therapy. Blaming Thea, he tries to give her the axe for the canine's troubles. But, thinking quickly, Thea declares that she is pregnant and, according to law, an expectant mother can't be fired during the duration. Bossman leaves in a huff. Taking over is his younger brother, Nick (Luke Kirby) who is much better at making decisions about books and sales. He also recognizes that Thea has a talent for publishing and, due to her condition, will make an excellent choice for editing a new tome on pregnancy he wants to present. Thea gets a raise and a new assignment. But, will everything fall apart when the firm realizes she's not expecting? And, does Thea have "eyes" for her new boss? This was quite a pleasant little film, made more worthwhile by the appearances of Lohan and Hines. For all her bad publicity, Lohan is a genuinely comic performer, with a dose of innocence and sweetness lacking in many other actresses her age. She does fine work here and is a joy to watch. Hines, on the other hand, is excellent at black humor and she contributes a big helping of comic edginess. The rest of the cast, mostly unknowns, are very nice, too. The settings, costumes, and production values are average, as befits a low-budget flick. Especially lacking was money for a good hair stylist, for Lohan's tresses are a messy tangle. Nevertheless, this movie is a good way to relax and have some fun after work hours. Romcom fans, take note.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Spain]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 June 2009 (Romania)

Also Known As:

Labor Pains

Filming Locations:

Burbank, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,895,782

Company Credits

Production Co:

Millennium Films, Millennium Films, Latitude Films

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1