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Review #457 of 365
Movie Review of Knocked Up (2007) [R] 93 minutes
WIP™ Scale: $12.75
Where Viewed: United Artists Colorado Mills Stadium 16 & Giant Screen, Lakewood, CO
Special Universal Studios Advance Screening
When 1st Seen: 1 May 2007
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Film's Official Website • Film's Trailer
DVD Release Date: 18 September 2007
Directed by: Judd Apatow (The 40 Year Old Virgin)
Written by: Judd Apatow (Fun with Dick and Jane)
Featured Cast (Where You Might Remember Him/Her From):
Katherine Heigl (The Ringer) • Seth Rogen (You, Me and Dupree) • Paul Rudd (Reno 911!: Miami) • Leslie Mann (The 40 Year Old Virgin) • Jay Baruchel ("Just Legal") • Jonah Hill (Accepted) • Jason Segel (The Good Humor Man) • Martin Starr (Kicking & Screaming)
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word or less review of this film]
If you saw Judd Apatow's film The 40-year Old Virgin and you liked it, then you'll have a good chance of loving his film Knocked Up. In some ways, The 40-Year Old Virgin and Apatow's style of writing and directing opened up a new genre of films, the 'Crude Dude' flicks—sort of the male equivalent of a 'chick' flick. This niche, some might say, was one that wasn't needed since so most films have been corrupted into films for teen males. In any case, Knocked Up is a bit more balanced. It's still a guy movie about guys doing 'guy' things, but this time they are held a lot more accountable by the strong and very successful female characters. Quite possibly, Knocked Up, though somewhat raunchier than its predecessor, is an even better film because of the more balanced approach.
" Judd Apatow has done it again only better."
The story is a bit overly contrived, but entails the consequences of a one-night stand between Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl), a normally incredibly fortunate entertainment news reporter, and Ben Stone (Seth Rogen), a Jewish Canadian illegal immigrant who's been living in a house with four mates all working to create an internet site that will allow anyone to see exactly how far they need to fast forward into a film to see the actresses in various stages of undress. For cash, Ben's been using money he got from the government when a postal truck ran over his foot. His roommates, each a great character himself, include: Jay (Jay Baruchel), Jonah (Jonah Hill), Jason (Jason Segel), and Martin (Martin Starr). One of the early on-going gags that illustrates the hi-jinx of this group is a bet they make with Martin. He may not shave or cut his hair for a year. If he succeeds, they'll pay his rent. If he loses, he has to pay their rent. All the while, they get to crack jokes about his increasingly Chewbacca-like appearance making it a true win-win for them and lose-lose for poor, Wolfman Jack Martin. Ben and Alison meet at a club to which Alison's older sister, Debbie (Leslie Mann) has taken her to celebrate her recent promotion to 'on-air' talent at the network.
Again, the film is filled to the brim with crude comments, jokes, and ideas including that all of Ben's roommates get pink eye when a spree of flatulating on each other's pillows spreads the microorganism responsible among the housemates. It also, has, however some hilarious, rolling on the floor laughing scenes and some touching, Hallmark® moments. Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl make the perfect unlikely couple highlighted by his character's comment "You're a lot prettier than me!" Mr. Rogen has great comedic timing and Ms Heigl is a perfect foil for his nonchalant, irreverent style. The two have potential to make a great couple. She's got to accept aspects of his Peter Pan Syndrome, and he's got to grow up and meet her half way.
Ben does a sweet thing for Alison, one thing leads to another, and a twist of fate has them engaging in unsafe intercourse. Six weeks later, Alison finds herself pregnant and knowing that Ben is the father. The rest of the film's 7 and a half months places every good reason as to why the couple should not be together to raise the child squarely in the middle of a possible future between them. Not only are Ben's friends huge negatives on the list of plusses and minuses against it, but the outwardly seeming, utterly unsuccessful marriage of Debbie and Pete (Paul Rudd). As for plusses, though there aren't many, Ben is sweet and funny and potentially devoted. If only Alison can grow to overlook all the elements of his personality that make him who he is. Or maybe he can change?
Katherine Heigl Buy From Art.com
Again, the film is filled to the brim with crude comments, jokes, and ideas including that all of Ben's roommates get pink eye when a spree of flatulating on each other's pillows spreads the microorganism responsible among the housemates. It also, has, however some hilarious, rolling on the floor laughing scenes and some touching, Hallmark® moments. Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl make the perfect unlikely couple highlighted by his character's comment "You're a lot prettier than me!" Mr. Rogen has great comedic timing and Ms Heigl is a perfect foil for his nonchalant, irreverent style. The two have potential to make a great couple. She's got to accept aspects of his Peter Pan Syndrome, and he's got to grow up and meet her half way.
Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd are also perfectly cast as the example of what can go so wrong in a good marriage with kids. In some ways, their marriage serves as a year of counseling wrapped up in a bow. Success in marriage comes from partnership with your partner. Both partners must give and take. One-sided aspects have to be challenged, addressed, forgiven, and forgotten. Affected kids deserve that much. Judd Apatow has done it again only better.
Paul Rudd Buy From Art.com
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Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Other Projects Featuring Knocked Up (2007)
Cast Members
Katherine Heigl
• Seth Rogen • Paul RuddLeslie Mann
• Jay Baruchel • Jonah HillJason Segel
• Martin StarrWriter / Director
Judd Apatow
| DVD | VHS | |
Knocked Up (2007) Review-lite [150-word cap]
If you saw Judd Apatow's film The 40-year Old Virgin and you liked it, then you'll have a good chance of loving his film Knocked Up which, though somewhat raunchier than its predecessor, is an even better film because of the more balanced approach. The story is a bit overly contrived entailing the consequences of a one-night stand between Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl), a normally incredibly fortunate entertainment news reporter, and Ben Stone (Seth Rogen), a Jewish Canadian illegal immigrant. Filled to the brim with Apatow's style of crude comments, jokes, and ideas it has some hilarious, rolling on the floor laughing scenes and some touching, Hallmark® moments. Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl make the perfect unlikely couple highlighted by Rogen's comedic timing and Heigl's foil for his nonchalant, irreverent style. Judd Apatow has done it again only better.
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