Cinema as contraception - what a neat idea!!

Rating: 7/10 (9 September 2007)

Knocked Up, while being a great comedy film, also comes across as a complex and realistic portrayal of the issues many couples face when having a baby or raising a family. Judd Apatow packs his film with some stand out set pieces, great one liners and observational comedy. But it never feels forced and seems honest to the characters and the situations they find themselves in. The movie is a little on the long side and could have benefited from some trimming. Seth Rogan does an excellent job of making a potentially obnoxious character appear sympathetic and attractive. The film would have failed spectacularly if we couldn't believe that Katherine Heigl's character would consider making a go of things with the lead actor. There is an interesting juxtaposition between the situation faced by the two central performers and the family led by a 'bungling' Paul Rudd. It represents a glimpse into a potential future for the new 'family' and a not entirely pleasant one. It is the complexities of the film, such as this one, that elevate Knocked Up from being just another gross out comedy film to a funny, poignant and thought provoking film.