Turns vulgarity into sincerity

Rating: 7/10 (19 May 2006)

Humorously enlightened work from perceptive scribe Apatow, guided by the current master of comedic subtleties, Steve Carell. The lead displays such a knack for inner monologue, albeit it in an overtly comedic way, that he will literally take you to that freshman year place of discomfort that applies to the Andy in all of us. People who are simply too cool, or cold, to know Andy's plight have 3 or 4 excellently fleshed out supporting characters to relate to, ranging the gamut from pot head writer, to playa wannabe- letting everyone, at least every American male, feel engaged dealing with the movie's situations. This movie somehow manages to have the dirtiness of an adult American pie, yet somehow elevates this material to heartfelt sincerity, no small feet indeed. At times the improv heavy scenes could be trimmed a little, especially on the unrated extended version, but if anyone knows how to kill awkward space with even more awkwardness it is Mr Carell.