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August 2005

By Wilson Morales

The 40 Year Old Virgin

Distributor: Universal Pictures
Director: Judd Apatow
Producers: Judd Apatow, Clayton Townsend, Shauna Robertson
Screenwriters: Judd Apatow & Steve Carell
Composer: Lyle Workman
Cast: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Seth Rogen, Elisabeth Banks, Leslie Mann, and Jane Lynch
Reviewed at: Loews 42nd E-walk, NYC


   

Comedies that are really funny are the ones that either have one great comedian such as Robin Williams and Jim Carrey, or the film is well written with enough jokes that it will keep you laughing until the end of the film. Judd Apatow is a gifted writer and producer, having been part of the comedy films, "Bruce Almighty" and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy". Both of these films are not considered classics by any means, but they have their own following. In his film debut, Judd chose to co-write a story about a guy who's been "outed" for being a virgin at the age of 40. Knowing the fun he could have with this plot, he chose the one man who could play the part and pull it off. Not only is Steve Carell just hilarious as the shy and geeky store clerk, but his fellow actors (Rudd, Malco, and Rogen) almost steal the show with their zaniness and banter. "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" is insanely filled with enough jokes and uproarious scenes that you will need a box of tissues to wipe away the tears of laughter.

Andy Stitzer (Carell) has lived his entire life being normal sort of speak. Besides having his own place and having a good job, he has some co-workers who believe he could hang out with them. One night while playing poker and talking about their sex acts with females, the guys realize that Andy's tales doesn't seem right, and after pestering him with details and questions, the truth comes out. Andy is still a virgin. In some cases it's not a big deal, but Andy happens to be a 40 year-old virgin and that's unacceptable to them, so they set out to get him laid by any means. From the nightclubs to the blind dates, to some sex advice, Andy just doesn't get it. He's too set in his ways to be loose and try anything carefree. When he meets a single mom (Keener) who works at a "We Sell It for You on Ebay" store, he musters the courage to ask her out. Things gets a bit dicey when he realizes his bicycle won't get them far and his collection of toys such as "The Six Million Dollar Man" doll and "Aquaman" doll are not very attractive in his apartment. When the first attempt to fulfill his quest is interrupted, Andy and Trish agree to take it slow and not have sex until 20 dates have gone by. That's gives his boys enough time to get Andy some play so that he doesn't have to look so anxious for Trish.

Normally, comedy films tend to lose their jokes midway through the film, but Apatow injects so much humor and moments that it holds the film together. There's a romance subplot that people want to see carried out and Keener does her bit in playing the zany but sane girl of the group. Carell does a magnificent job at just being normal. His character could have been a fat guy or a total nerd, but by making him a normal good looking guy, he plays against type. Of the three co-workers, Malco is the scene stealer of the group. His emotional expressions and banter are so right on the money. There are plenty of scenes that will grab your attention such as the hair waxing scene and "I know you're gay" scene between Rudd and Rogen. The soundtrack to the film is just appropriate with songs like "Virgin Man" and "Believe It or Not", the theme song from The Greatest American Hero. You just gotta love a film that puts that song in a film. In watching this "The 40 Year Old Virgin", you will laugh and laugh hard.