Best comedy for many a moon

Rating: 9/10 (27 August 2005)

Given the generally dire state of cinematic comedy it is not saying that much to call 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' the best comedy of the 21st century (so far) but it probably is. Indeed it's probably the best since the inexplicably under-rated 'Kingpin'. For comedy to really work it has to come from character and not just from situation and what sets this apart from 'Wedding Crashers' and even the mighty 'Anchorman' is that the characters are genuine and there is real pathos (although not sentimentality). Steve Carell is excellent as the hero, and it is surprising and refreshing that his virginity, whilst used for comedic purposes, ultimately isn't sneered at. The supporting actors were all well-cast and the movie, while a shade overlong, managed to maintain a pretty high level of laughter throughout - the chest hair scene is a classic.