MOTHERSHIP

This science-fiction–comic romp set in a space-based school for pregnant teens hits the funny bone and adds in an alien conflict for good measure.

Elvie can’t help being attracted to her worst enemy’s boyfriend, the handsome, charming Cole. Although Cole remains officially attached to nasty Britta, he’s smitten with Elvie and gets her pregnant. Alas, Britta also shows up pregnant at the orbiting space school, and the rivalry continues. Elvie, however, as an engineering geek, takes a leadership role when aliens attack the ship. More aliens show up to defend the girls, including Cole, who turns out to be an alien himself, part of a race that has been impregnating Earth girls for centuries. The attackers are rival aliens doing the same thing. All the while, the spat between the girls continues as Elvie narrates the adventure, wisecracking the whole time. Leicht and Neal keep the focus mostly on wacky comedy, but it's a creditable adventure as well. Despite the light tone, some girls die while trying to evade the attackers, although some thought dead will eventually be found alive. Eccentric characters such as artistic, clueless Natty help to keep the atmosphere buoyant, and the entrance of James Dean adds some spice to the story. Fans of science fiction and zany comedy should both be satisfied.

Pure fun.