Revisiting Knocked Up in this sequel, This Is 40 catches up to Pete and Debbie as they enter mid-life and struggle with parenthood, romance, finances, and life in general.
Paul Rudd (Pete), Leslie Mann (Debbie), Maude Apatow (Sadie), Iris Apatow (Charlotte), Jason Segel (Jason), Annie Mumolo (Barb), Robert Smigel (Barry), Megan Fox (Desi), Charlyne Yi (Jodi), Graham Parker (Himself), John Lithgow (Oliver), Melissa McCarthy (Catherine).
This Is 40 begins nicely with some good laughs as characters are introduced and plot setup commences. But as the plot starts to unroll, things begin to fall apart. Pete and Debbie are having issues which, as they are explored, results in a marked decrease in the humor other than a brief scene with McCarthy. It is about then we realize the humor has gone and this film does nothing more than follow the train-wreck of a life Pete and Debbie seem to insist on creating for themselves.
Acting was okay. Rudd delivered his usual, nothing new. Mann had a few good moments, but they were few and far between. The Apatow kids were okay but could use some experience. Fox was pretty much window dressing, as was Parker. Lithgow and McCarthy both delivered well.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid but bland. Nothing exciting here, nor with the few bits of action. Dialogue was at first funny, then campy, turned to boring, and eventually degenerated into background noise. Sound and soundtrack were lethargic.
While those who enjoy some comedy with their romance may find this one entertaining, we found it to be little more than the following of a train-wreck of a relationship by two people who are absolutely clueless about themselves and most of the world around them.
With some nudity, moderate sexuality, mild violence, foul language, and drug use, save this one for mature teens and above.
Released: 2012
Reviewed: 1.20.18
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama, Romantic Comedy
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
Paul Rudd (Pete), Leslie Mann (Debbie), Maude Apatow (Sadie), Iris Apatow (Charlotte), Jason Segel (Jason), Annie Mumolo (Barb), Robert Smigel (Barry), Megan Fox (Desi), Charlyne Yi (Jodi), Graham Parker (Himself), John Lithgow (Oliver), Melissa McCarthy (Catherine).
This Is 40 begins nicely with some good laughs as characters are introduced and plot setup commences. But as the plot starts to unroll, things begin to fall apart. Pete and Debbie are having issues which, as they are explored, results in a marked decrease in the humor other than a brief scene with McCarthy. It is about then we realize the humor has gone and this film does nothing more than follow the train-wreck of a life Pete and Debbie seem to insist on creating for themselves.
Acting was okay. Rudd delivered his usual, nothing new. Mann had a few good moments, but they were few and far between. The Apatow kids were okay but could use some experience. Fox was pretty much window dressing, as was Parker. Lithgow and McCarthy both delivered well.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were solid but bland. Nothing exciting here, nor with the few bits of action. Dialogue was at first funny, then campy, turned to boring, and eventually degenerated into background noise. Sound and soundtrack were lethargic.
While those who enjoy some comedy with their romance may find this one entertaining, we found it to be little more than the following of a train-wreck of a relationship by two people who are absolutely clueless about themselves and most of the world around them.
With some nudity, moderate sexuality, mild violence, foul language, and drug use, save this one for mature teens and above.
Released: 2012
Reviewed: 1.20.18
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama, Romantic Comedy
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
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