film: review

> KNOCKED UP (2007)
The funniest movie of the summer!

By John C. Lyons
Film Critic

Directed by: Judd Apatow

Written by: Judd Apatow

Starring: Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, and more

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Our Rating: 9/10

I wish Judd Apatow and company could have a hand in most of the comedies released each year! They don’t need big name stars to pull off great laughs (although there are plenty of cameos here). Their casts of little-knowns combined with some hilarious writing have got the “dramedy” formula nailed down. I found myself enjoying Knocked Up even more than The 40 Year Old Virgin, and that film was summer gold just a couple years ago.

It may have been the fact that star Seth Rogen actually feels like an everyday man-child here as opposed to seeing Steve Carell act (act well, mind you) like one in the previous film. Or maybe it was the hilarious cast of supporting players, lead once again by Paul Rudd, a guy very much deserving of more comedic credit. Sure it’s oftentimes lude, crude, and rude, but one minute you’re belly laughing and the very next you might be grinning with tears in your eyes.

Knocked Up feels relatable (as opposed to stereotype jokes flung out in Eddie Murphy’s fat suited brand of trash) and there’s nothing really to dislike about it. Some, rightfully so, may be turned off a bit by a couple birthing shots towards the end of the film but hey, what better way to tell kids to wear protection!?

I saw this film at Cinemark’s Tinseltown 17 Theatres on Peach Street in Erie, PA. Click for showtimes.

related links:
Knocked Up - official site

MPAA rating: R
for sexual content, drug use and language

length: 2hrs., 9 min.