This is my favorite comedy in recent years. I held off for a long time after hating many so-called comedy films, but after seeing what Judd Apatow was doing with things like Freaks and Geeks, I took a chance.
And I loved it. So many modern comedies seem like I’m supposed to be laughing at mentally retarded people. Like Napoleon Dynamite. Or I’m supposed to enjoy watching some fucking assholes and get enjoyment out of it. The 40-Year-Old Virgin is genuinely funny, plus it has heart and characters that I like and would enjoy hanging out with.
I like the whole gang: The slick player, the hard-around-the-edge sarcastic party monster, the eternally bitter heartbroken guy and of course the genuinely decent man who never developed the confidence to effectively talk to women.
It’s a long movie, especially in the uncut form, but I never want it to end. It’s like a long party and I love the way the virgin learns about life and living from his new friends. And also how they learn critical things from him in return.
This is one of the few comedies where I agree with most people. Everyone seems to like it. Bring it up and most will say something like, “I love the hair waxing scene, haha, har har, ho ho”. And it [i] is[/i] funny. But I get tired of that scene. I more enjoy the parts where the guys are hanging out, shooting the shit and getting to know one another.
I like Knocked Up too, but not as much. I didn’t much care for Knocked Up when I first saw it, but I’ve come to appreciate the whole Apatow crowd. And the couple in Knocked Up aren’t exactly likable in the beginning. They too learn and grow from each other and become fuller, better people.
I had The 40-Year-Old Virgin on the other night. Not really watching it, but more of a background movie while I did stuff around the house. I stopped and sat through some of my favorite scenes though, which are plentiful.
I really, REALLY, can’t wait for Funny People. I tell some friends and people I work with that and they act surprised. I hate Adam Sandler! But it’s not who acts in a movie, but who wrote it. I’ve become a huge Judd Apatow fan, despite some of the terrible movies he produces. He knows what the masses like in a comedy and if those other movies I hate help finance thoughtful ones like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, I don’t begrudge them.
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