Movie of the Week – The 40 Year Old Virgin

This week’s movie is The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005).

The comedy is about Andy, a forty-year-old man who is still a virgin. When his co-workers find out, they make it their mission to get him laid, but Andy is really looking for something more (like love). Writer-director-producer Judd Apatow (coming off the success of producing Anchorman and two excellent but cancelled TV series: Freaks  and Geeks and Undeclared) made his feature debut as a director. He worked with composer Lyle Workman (who has since scored many other Apatow produced films), cinematographer Jack Green and production designer Jackson De Govia. It also features a number of comedians that are firmly apart of the Apatow brand, including: Carla Gallo, Loudon Wainwright III, Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann, Jane Lynch, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, and Steve Carell (his first starring role, coming off a hilarious supporting part in Anchorman and picking up the lead in The Office). Elizabeth Banks, Romany Malco and Catherine Keener also star. More so than Apatow’s other films to date, The 40 Year Old Virgin introduced his ability to create a comedy that was very funny, rude and dirty and also full of heart and real characters that the audience could connect with. Basically, Apatow changed the genre (for better or worse). Carell is great in the film, but it is the work and improvisation of the supporting players (namely Rudd, Malco and Rogen) that makes the film a comedic gem. It is, however, the story that makes it special. The 40 Year Old Virgin is a must-see for R-rated comedy fans and those who like Apatow’s work (both as a director and producer). Check out the trailer.

Available on Blu-ray, DVD and Streaming

Movie of the Week – Forgetting Sarah Marshall

This week’s movie is Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008).

The comedy (rom-com) is about Peter, a man who just got his heart broken by his long-time and famous girlfriend Sarah. He decides to take a vacation to Hawaii to help him get over her, but much to his surprise and dismay she is staying at the same hotel as him with her new man. The film is written by Jason Segel (who also stars) and directed by Nicholas Stoller (who have since made Get Him to the Greek, The Muppets and Five-Year Engagement upcoming in 2012 together). Segel and Stroller worked with producer Judd Apatow, composer Lyle Workman, cinematographer Russ T. Alsobrook, and production designer Jackson De Govia on the film. The cast is brilliant with performances from Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand (who had a breakthrough in America due to this film), Bill Hader, Jack McBrayer, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, and Kristen Wiig (in the extended edition) along with Segel. The film is very funny (among my favorites of the decade). It works so well thanks to Segel’s sense of humor and overall likability and charisma. It also has wonderful supporting characters. While there have been a lot of great R-rated comedies in recent years (many from Judd Apatow, as producer and director), this is my favorite. It is a must-see for fans of romantic comedies and R-rated comedies. Check out the trailer.

Available on Blu-ray, DVD and Streaming