Real and real funny

Rating: 8/10 (16 November 2005)

Right from the moment you spot the poster for this film, you know it's going to be funny. The unspoiled bright-eyed photo of Steve Carell says it all: this is the kind of movie that he was born to star in.
If you can accept that the character of Andy Stitzer exists, the events that transpire throughout the course of the movie are at least believable if not seemingly honest. Andy's actions are understandably naïve but not so over the top absurd that you can no longer sympathize with his character. This grounding in reality gives the film a day-in-the-life feel that might be unexpected given the sophomoric overtones of the title.
Overall, the character development makes the film. The relationship dynamics between Andy and the other characters maximizes the impact of the story and, more importantly, the jokes. This movie operates on all cylinders, delivering humor on many levels beyond the straight up bawdy sexual humor that's naturally expected.
There are a few significant lapses in reality, most notably when a love interest is inexplicably sparked, and when the usually bumbling Andy suddenly begins spouting sarcasm. These lapses can be easily forgiven given the fact that they would have likely gone unnoticed in a lesser comedy, and, in the case of the latter, add to the overall entertainment value of the film.
This film isn't everything to everyone, but it is funny. Really funny. Also, make sure you watch till the end.