R-rated comedy keeps getting dirtier...and it works

Rating: 8/10 (19 June 2008)

When this film first came out, I was in total shock that there could be a major film released called "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." It seemed so explicit--a film entirely centered around getting laid? Yes, America, we've come and gone this far, and you know what? It's entertaining, hysterical and even good-natured and sweet.
Steve Carrell is the 40-year-old virgin, a tech merchandise salesman named Andy Stitzer whose only life concerns are his job and his action figure collection. He lives by himself, he rides a bike and yes, he's never had sex before. So when his tech store co-workers--who've been laid but still have plenty of other issues--find out, they try and set him up for success, offering him a myriad of advice, most of which is terrible. Andy is reluctant to try, but when he meats Trish (Catherine Keener), that starts to change.
Carrell really gets you to laugh in this film, but mostly because you pity his sorry existence. The dynamic between him and his funnier co-stars really works well here. Cal (Seth Rogen) is a weird, overly blunt friend, Jay (Romany Malco) is the married one who's a player a heart and has some aggressive advice and David (Paul Rudd) is the sap who always talks about true love. The scenes of this film mostly result from the terrible advice these hilarious guys give him and often times the weird girls he picks up as a result. Because these guys have bad advice, the language in this film is graphic and some of the scenes are too. If you prefer to keep sex talk to the bedroom, this film will have you uncomfortable 75% of the time.
This film is good because you feel bad while simultaneously laughing at Andy. Comedy and empathy are two good things for a protagonist to provide. His misadventures trying to get laid and working out a real relationship with Trish is just really well done by the film's creator, Judd Apatow. Keener is also a great choice for Trish. She brings the film down to earth much like Rachel McAdams does in "Wedding Crashers." She's a very believable single middle-aged mom. It's a wonder how this film can be so dirty while simultaneous meaningful and Keener's performance helps make that happen. This was the kind of film she needed for people to notice her talents and recognize her in other work.
Though as much as I say this film is sweet, there is no question that this is a dirty comedy first and foremost with some stupid stuff in it no doubt. It's a good date movie if your date can take the R-rated humor, but not just any R-rated humor, generally private R-rated humor. This film is most memorable for the antics--the rest is there to keep it from ever seeming too out of control.