There's Something About This Movie

Rating: 7/10 (20 August 2005)

This was an enormously funny romp of a movie. It has been compared frequently "The Wedding Crashers". And mostly this movie seems to be liked better than "The Wedding Crashers." I see the comparison, but honestly think "The Wedding Crashers" was sharper, funnier, faster. As for "40 Year Old Virgin," think this movie may be much more comparable to "There's Something About Mary".
Having said all that, this was truly a hilarious movie about (of course) Sex. There were several parts that were especially funny to me. The chest-hair waxing scene. The "I know you're gay because " dialog. The conversation(s) in the bookstore. The scene with the condoms.
The ending of the movie was really perfect, perfectly funny and perfectly high-spirited.
Regarding acting and characterizations, frankly, I did not like Steve Carell as Andy. I guess in a way it might seem like an easy part to play, but who really could have pulled it off? Not Carell in my humble opinion. Catherine Keener as Trish was excellent, on the other hand. Then again, Catherine Keener is always excellent. Paul Rudd as the morose stoner was not to me very appealing. Romany Malco as Jay was very good. Elizabeth Banks was hot. HOWEVER ...
Seth Rogan as Cal was by far the best in the movie!
I really thought Rogan's Cal carried every scene he was in. Yet he never over-reached, never played too far or too fast or too anything. Who is this guy? Blue collar, tattooed, crude, funny, natural, relaxed, playing his part with a cool, confident style that simply never faltered. I see he co-produced the movie. Clearly he had a lot of confidence in the product as well. I really hope to see more of this talent.