BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
It’s the “sorta sequel” to “Knocked Up”! That movie focused on a new unexpected couple having an unexpected baby. Classic movie. This movie focuses on the married couple of that movie played by Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann. They’re both turning 40 and their lives are in a weird place. They’re faced with tons of responsibility and an ever-fading passion. Things just kind of suck despite their 1%’er type problems. They are California rich people who are having “money problems”. You can almost relate to them, but then you see their houses, businesses, and lifestyle and can’t. What was “financially different” about this movie and any other Apatow movie other than a few fights about money. That whole situation did bother me, but there is a lot more to this movie than the money issues. They dealing with growing children, self-image issues, the world changing, the lack of “Alice In Chains” appreciation, bullies, and just life in general. You get wrapped up in these people’s lives and you want Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann to work things out and prosper almost instantly. You can clearly see that despite their moments of insanity that they are doing everything from the most loving of intentions and hopes. The kids are still the kids from “Knocked Up”, Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow’s spawn Iris and Maude. These two grew up a lot over the past few years and did a really good job. It’ll be interesting to see if they do any acting outside of their family projects. We’re also treated to a slew of awesome supporting actors. Jason Segel and Charlyne Yi reprise their roles from “Knocked Up”, Melissa McCarthy plays a crazy mother, and Megan Fox didn’t bother me too much. On top of that Robert Smigel, Chris O’Dowd, Albert Brooks, John Lithgow, Lena Dunham, and even Billie Joe Armstrong show up. Albert Brooks got some great stuff in as Rudd’s struggling father and I hope it doesn’t go unnoticed. Brooks is an icon and every time I see him in something these days he steals the show. He just about steals this movie too. The rest of the supporting cast doesn’t get much to work with. I was bummed that we didn’t get more out of Smigel, O’Dowd, Segel, and McCarthy but I suppose there is always the possibility of a third “sorta of sequel”. Everyone loves trilogies! I’ve actually read and heard people complain about the running time. I get that most people don’t expect to sit down for over two hours and watch a “comedy”, but that’s the problem here. I’m not sure if it’s fair to go as bold to label this a “comedy”. It’s too grounded in human nature to be filed away so easily. Outside of “Heavyweights”, that’s something Apatow strives in. “Knocked Up” is probably one of my favorite modern comedies. I know I’m not alone in that sentiment. Over the past few years we’ve seen the rise of Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, and the whole “Apatow crew”. They all bring something different to the table and do great work on their own, but when they come together for things it’s just fun times. It’s been proven with “Knocked Up”, “Super bad”, and “Funny People”. Paul Rudd is there too but he has a prior kick ass filmography that’s hard to pin-point him to one certain “crew”, but I’m sure he’s welcomed in any. The point is that these people, the people Apatow assembles and casts, all have chemistry, charm, and tons of talent. If I love a movie or leave it a little underwhelmed, I’m still going to appreciate it. That said, I appreciated “This is 40”. These movies have tons of soul and substance, but it wasn’t as funny as I’d have hoped. I went into this movie wanting to laugh a lot more than I got to. I was entertained and soaked up the charm of Mann and Rudd, but this movie isn’t funny enough to be a comedy, not dramatic enough to be a drama, and not balanced enough not to notice it. The subject matter is harder to make one-liner stoner jokes like in “Knocked Up”. I get that. I’m not saying a movie like this has to be a laugh a minute or a cry a minute. Guys like Woody Allen have found that balance and Apatow is definitely in that grouping of “guys”. I think that’s why I have a higher standard for anything I see with Apatow attached. “This is 40”, despite the detached first impression of this 29 year old viewer, does hit that standard for sure. Albert Brooks’ stuff hurdles that on his own. Is it better than “Knocked Up”? Nope. Is it better than “Funny People” and most comedies out there? For sure. Does it have tons of heart and will I watch it again? Totally. If you saw “Knocked Up” or not, you should still check out this movie because it’s a charming, funny, and heart felt comedy that comes from a genuine place. B+
|
