An Entertaining and Touching Comedy (So Don't Expect a Rip-Roarious Laugh Fest)

Rating: Null/10 (27 February 2008)

Not the joke parade that "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" was, but this film's got a lot of heart. I'd say the main focus is on the serious subject matter: a young couple struggling to make the best out of an unexpected pregnancy.
It seems like a more real-life, touching kind of story than in "Virgin" (where the focus was the ridiculous situation of a man who'd never had sex). This movie is something that could happen to anyone. There's still some comedy (mostly in the form of improvised comebacks). The film also gives an entertaining look at the differences in male and female perspectives.
I enjoyed "Virgin" and read rave reviews of this movie, but I found many one-star reviews online and wasn't sure what to expect. Personally, I really liked the film. Not so much as an uproarious comedy as a heartfelt look at real-world issues, seen through a not-too-serious lens. (There are cast and crew baby photos during the end credits.) It's not too off-the-wall and it's not too melodramatic. It's just serious enough, and there's some humor to go with it.
I think most of the criticisms I read were about vulgarity. This film is rated R (or above), so vulgarity shouldn't catch you off-guard. There is a lot of swearing, but not to the extent that people were complaining about. I didn't notice it as a problem. (Maybe I'm desensitized.) It's used in conversations the way I'd hear out with friends. Not for the overly sensitive and not for small children. There is also some nudity (including a few shots of authentic childbirth action), so keep that in mind if that's an issue.
Seth Rogen plays Ben, who becomes the father of Alison's (Katherine Heigl) unborn child. Alison lives with her sister (Leslie Mann) and her husband (Paul Rudd), whose marriage is work. The two sisters stick by each other's side while the two men bond. The supporting cast includes many Apatow Productions alums (including Jason Segel and Martin Starr from "Freaks and Geeks" and Jonah Hill, who'd later star in "Superbad"). Paul Rudd has some of the best lines.
"Knocked Up" has its raunchy moments, but it's not a mindless, raunchy, fratboy comedy. Don't expect comedic genius or two hours of gags, because this movie is more about heart. This is a very entertaining film if you go into it with the right mindset. I'd bet it would be a good pick to watch with your girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, or husband. 7.5/10 stars.
(NOTE: I've only seen the R-rated theatrical version, so I don't know what's different on the unrated DVD.)