Hilarious: Knocked Up

Knocked Up (Advance Screening)
Directed by Judd Apatow
Save the due date: June 1, 2007

From the creator of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" comes a fantastic new comedy about a one-night stand that turns into something much more. Fortunately, this film is far more even than "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and even funnier. It is surprisingly well put together, reminiscent of the recent "Wedding Crashers," and even though its running time is even longer (132 min), it does not feel too long and keeps the laughs going all the way through.

Katherine Heigl ("Grey's Anatomy") stars as rising E! News reporter Alison who has a one-night stand with unemployed web site concept developer Ben, played by Seth Rogen, one of Steve Carrell's pals from "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." Heigl is great, and has a knack for comedy which she has only some opportunity to showcase in the medical dramedy show. Rogen is able enough in a role that is not too difficult, but he makes Ben both extremely dumb and immensely likeable at the same time. Leslie Mann, playing Alison's sister, is fun, but it is Paul Rudd, as her disgruntled husband Pete, who truly steals the show. His performance is constantly funny. Ben's entourage, an assemblage of goofy actors, is also memorable.

The real strength of "Knocked Up" is its commitment to making every single moment funny. Over a dozen celebrities appear in cameo roles which sparkle with fun humor, but they appear for only a minute so as not to steal the show from the stars. B.J. Novak ("The Office") and Tim Bagley ("Will and Grace") are among the best of these well-utilized cameos. The film charts a somewhat predictable course, but the ride is great fun and this film is highly recommended (obviously it is a bit vulgar, but it is great). In theatres June 1st.

B+