Disappointing "40-Year Old Virgin" follow-up

Rating: 6/10 (2 October 2007)

"Knocked Up" is a manipulative comedy by writer-director Judd Apatow whose previous work has included the fabulous, short-lived television series "Freaks & Geeks" and the Steve Carrell vehicle "The 40-Year Old Virgin". Here again many attempts are made to interweave humor and heart, but unfortunately it fails to overcome its Monday night NBC feel.
The basic premise has "Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl and "Freaks"-alum Seth Rogan having a one-time drunken hook-up that leads to an unplanned pregnancy. Unfortunately, as in many a sit-com she's a stunning, responsible, professional woman and he's a chubby, teddy bear of an immature loser with a deep indention in his couch. What's a girl to do? Well, in the world of Hollywood the answer lies in skimming the leaves off the "Pygmalion" pool one more time.
"Knocked Up" isn't a bad movie, exactly. It's got plenty of laughs and a bit of the predictable third act sap, but part of the charm of "Freaks & Geeks" and "Virgin" was in Apatow's ability to create unique, believable characters that lived in what felt like the real world. This film doesn't really have that, but instead has caricatures playing out predictable gender stereotypes in an overly convenient storyline. This is standard comedy, and it's clear from previous viewing experience that Apatow is just better than this.