Virgin's Quest, Our Laughfest

Rating: 8/10 (6 October 2005)

Steve Carell plays Andy the "40-yr. old virgin" in this film. No doubt, assessing the title, one is inclined to think that in this day and age Andy must be some kind of nerd/loser/psycho/nut-case to have gone that long in life without getting laid. And, truth is, Andy IS all of the above though none to the extremes. In fact, Andy is doing quite well enjoying his placid, celibate self until his workmates David (Paul Rudd), Jay (Romany Malco) and Cal (Seth Rogan) find out during a card game that he has yet to pop his cherry. His "friends" then spring into action, creating havoc in Andy's sterile, somewhat juvenile world. Carell and Judd Apatow wrote the script and not many of their one-liners or sight gags fail to evoke laughter. Their choice of the beautiful and beguiling Catherine Keener to play Trish, the divorcée of Andy's desire, is perfect. She brings an edgy elegance to the role. The script spreads the laughs around, giving just about every actor's character a chance to deliver a hilarious line or two. Chief amongst them are bookends Mooj & Haziz, two wise-cracking Indian workmates of Andy's who are never at a loss when it comes to busting chops or dishing out critiques. "40 Year Old Virgin," despite more than a few continuity lapses, delivers the goods laugh-wise. For once, it is a comedy that stays true to that course, only veering slightly into the sappy, over-played romantic comedy genre to unite Andy and Trish.