Potentially nasty concept is both funny and likable

Rating: 9/10 (23 May 2009)

I was quite prepared to hate this based on the subject alone but the movie actually won me over by banking more on its heart and likable characters and mostly avoiding totally mean jokes. Don't get me wrong, there could be a few jokes considered mean (nothing wrong with that) but mostly the humor revolves around the awkwardness and naiveté of the title character. There are some genuinely funny moments here, especially the physical comedy bits (the "epilation" scene is comic genius).
The lead, Steve Carell, was a revelation. He's low-key and understated and the fact he doesn't chew the scenery or overact (like Jim Carrey could have) helps make his character not only believable but likable. Some of the situations will certainly remind us guys of our beginnings in the love/sex department so it's very relatable. There might be even be a few love insights for most of us as a bonus. This was overall a great surprise for me and contrary to some over-hyped fluff, this one quite deserved its popularity. One of the best comedies I've ever seen and well worth buying.
Rating: 9 out of 10