A comedy done with charm and sweetness

Rating: 8/10 (5 October 2010)

"The 40 Year Old Virgin" / 2005 / Directed by: Judd Apatow / Written by: Judd Apatow and Steve Carell
* * * Good
I like and admire Judd Apatow's story telling style. I was impressed, more than expected for this film. Most Hollywood comedies are "by the numbers", juvenile and predictable, best appreciated by adolescents or adolescent minded adults.
This sex comedy, would seem to be yet another mediocre and immature Hollywood comedy, however, director/co-writer Apatow, shows some honesty and insight into human nature and relationships between the sexes. Sometimes ordinary comedy, sometimes special, the film does have moments of genuine charm and sweetness.
This is only the 2nd Apatow film I've ever seen. first was: "Knocked Up, 2007". Both films share a lot in common, showing Apatow's signature style. Apatow is good at writing a variety of interesting and relate-able characters and being truthful about the insecurities of dating, sex and heterosexual relationships. Comedian and co-writer Steve Carell does a good job at portraying this sexually repressed, adolescent minded virgin middle aged man.
The story setup of the main character is a little overdone, attempting to show the nerdy life of a 40 year old man stuck in adolescence, with his collection of childhood toys and addiction to video games still with him. Overall, the film is a works, as it balances comedy, honesty, charm and sweetness, which are Apatow's talent and trademark.