TSOYA listener Lance G. sends this report from an advance screening of “Knocked Up,” the new film from Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen.
“Not to give the ending away via bad pun, but Judd Apatow’s latest comedy Knocked Up really delivers (the laughter is never aborted?).
While the rough cut is well over two hours, it’s still consistently funny throughout. The film will more than likely be trimmed down and if things go well, it will get tightened into a comedy even more solid than 40 Year Old Virgin. Much like Virgin, the plot of the film which has Rogen’s character impregnating Katherine Heigl’s, throwing the two into an unexpected relationship seems like something that you would find in an eighties film, but unlike Virgin, the plot works with the comedy instead of being tacked on top of the comedy.
While Katherine Heigl does a fine job in the film, it’s really Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd who shine together. Building on the chemistry created in the “you know how I know you’re gay?” scene from Virgin, the two use improvisation to add to a scene already written rather than as a base for the comedy, the result of which is that special heartwarming hilarity Apatow is known for.
Also keeping the chuckles going are Rogen’s friends and roommates played by Jason Segal, Jonah Hill, Martin Starr, and Jay Baruchel. While these Apatow favs provide solid frat-boy-reject humor, the best non-essential character is Martin Starr’s girlfriend in the film, Charlyne Yi who takes “stoned misfit loser” to an absurd yet disturbingly realistic level. Apatow also manages to fit in great parts for BJ Novak, Adam Scott, and Harold Ramis (a perfect fit as Rogen’s dad).
Personally, I can’t wait for the release of this movie, not only because it’s so entertaining, but because it’s so damned quotable and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone.”