The 40 Year-Old Virgin
Starring: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd
Director: Judd Apatow
Studio: Universal
Year: 2005
There's been a fair amount of press recently re/the resurgence of the R-Rated "sex comedy" (or in this case, no-sex comedy ...Hah! I made a funny), what with the above-expectations box-office of 'Wedding Crashers' and the release of 'The 40 Year-Old Virgin'. All I can say is that if subsequent R-Rated "sex" comedies can be as enjoyable as this one, then be fruitful and multiply.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable film, equally filthy and sweet with both aspects handled quite well. There are numerous laugh out loud moments (along with a number of smut-induced snickers). The nice thing is that (like films of this type are prone to do), it really doesn't treat the character played by Carell as a complete loser. True, he certainly has his eccentricities and foibles, but the script also gives the character some depth and provides a reasonable explanation for why he's still in possession of his virginity.
I believe that this will be a break-out role for Carell (who's always been entertaining in supporting parts) and it's always good to see Catherine Keener (who, in my opinion, is quite talented and is the epitome of "intelligent beauty"). A solid suporting cast is on hand, and the soundtrack provides the best integration of songs into a film since anything by Wes Anderson ('The Life Acquatic With Steve Zissou', 'The Royal Tenenbaums', 'Rushmore'). The production number by the entire cast at the end of the movie is, in itself, worth the price of admission (I'll say no more ...you'll have to experience it for yourself).
While I wouldn't go as far as the gaggle of 17 year old girls (I'm sure they had to be 17 since the movie was R-Rated and there wasn't a parent in sight) who came out of the theatre bubbling how it was the funniest movie ever, but it was indeed pretty darn funny. Completely charming and one that is worth it to see now rather than waiting for the DVD release (in fact, I just might end up going to see it again).
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