One of my first movie theater memories is packing into a sold-out theater and watching Three Men and a Baby from the front row. I loved it then, watched it countless times on home video often looking specifically for the ghost (because that was a thing.) I'm happy to say that I think the film still holds up decades later. I know people that act like these guys, who would struggle to even understand how a diaper works, let alone figure out how to feed a baby. That makes the comedy relatable, timeless, and effective. I laugh constantly through the first act, and there are plenty of humorous moments later in the film as well. I think why I enjoy it so much goes beyond the comedy, though. There's a believable affection that grows between the men and the baby, and it brings a great deal of heart to the film. I can't say that I was quite brought to tears this time, but I have seen the movie MANY times before so it would take a lot to get me to tears now.
The trio of actors are perfect for the swinging bachelor types, and I like that each one has a slightly different personality that seems to fit them well. Tom Selleck does a lot to steal the show, and I think that's because he's the best actor of the three, but even the much-maligned Guttenberg brings his A-game here. I do wish Ted Danson didn't disappear for a large part of the film, but when he returns, he brings some good laughs. It's also important that he leaves so that the plot can keep moving forward. I do think that there is an element to the plot which is probably the weakest aspect of the movie. Any time it is focused on the titular Three Men and a Baby, it is golden, but there is a subplot about drugs that can feel a bit ancillary. I actually enjoy it for the added layers of conflict and the confusion that it creates, but I could see others disliking that aspect. I'm sure there's some level of nostalgia boosting my rating of Three Men and a Baby, but I do think it's a good film and deserving of all the box office love it received back in the 80s.
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