Knocked Up (2007)
Outrageously hilarious, satisfyingly poignant, and spewing with talent. Knocked up is a fresh take on the odd-couple cliche with just enough raunchiness, growth, and sweetness to win over even the most skeptical or disgruntled viewer. While it may not be sending the best message on courtship. Knocked up is a romantic comedy that has adapted to the times and through all its mishaps and immaturity, ultimately does right by convention and emotion. Taking full advantage of its sleazy premise to subtly convey socio-political themes to an uninhibited generation. Knocked up has the ideal balance of comedy, romance, and relevance to be taken seriously by its viewers while still remaining vastly entertaining. Written and directed by prolific genre advocate and veteran Judd Apatow. Knocked Up is an obscure love-story about two unexpected parents dealing with the unpredictability of life.
Ben Stone (Rogen) is a laid-back slacker who lives off funds he received as compensation for an injury he suffered earlier in his life. He lives with several roommates and works on a porn website they all own and operate. Alison Scott (Heigl), an on-air reporter, lives in the pool house of her sister home. The two meet by chance at a club and spend a night together, which ends with them having sex. After some time has passed, Alison finds out she is pregnant and is persuaded by her mother to abort the baby. Upon deciding to keep the baby, Alison informs Ben of the situation and that he is the father. What follows is an unflinching look at relationships and life.
Even though some of Apatow’s overly stereotypical and decidedly vulgar humour may turn the occasional viewer off. The timing and circumstance in which these crude, at times foreseeable jokes are delivered is undeniably impeccable and results in out-loud fits of laughter. Aside from Apatow’s comedic preferences which is, without question an acquired taste. His ability to mask the simplicity and triviality of his characters predicaments is unrivalled. It would be easy to confuse the commonness of Knocked Up as weakness and label it unintelligent. Actually, it’s quite the contrary. Apatow’s clever, insightful story showcases his diverse range. It seems that he is always making something out of nothing. Whether it’s an awkwardly shy young adult shaving his nether regions or two intoxicated adults absorbing the night life, Apatow finds the silver lining.
Apart from the fact that Apatow’s most recent efforts haven’t been as strong as his earlier work. His scripts have always remained grounded and charming, and Knocked Up is no different. The follow-up to the massively successful, The 40 Year Old Virgin. Knocked Up never loses sight of its characters aspirations or history, no matter how bizarre and sociopathic they may be. Knocked Up is Apatow’s most complete, honest, and endearing effort to date. His quirky, intelligent, and heartfelt script really puts Knocked Up a notch above the rest. However, without the right cast to accompany such odd, complex roles beaming with hilarity and emotional depth. Knocked Up would become another meaningless entry into a genre that becomes less and less respected with each new, half-assed release. Thank heavens that this is not the case.
One of the most rewarding aspects of compiling a cast with history is never having to worry about chemistry. The majority of Knocked Up’s cast has previously worked together on earlier Apatow projects such as Freaks and Geeks and The 40 Year Old Virgin. Starring Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Jason Segel, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, and Jonah Hill. Plus a slew of other big name stars. Knocked Up has arguably one of the most prominent and comedically talented casts to ever grace a romantic comedy. Side note, there is also a hilarious cameo from James Franco.
It was quite the surprise to see the range Rogen has in his repertoire, considering he doesn’t use it very often. For Knocked Up, Rogen, without question gives the most vulnerable, believable performance. Sporting a face ripe with the fear, love, and courage. Rogen perfectly captures the unsteady eagerness of a soon-to-be parent. As for Rogen’s co-star, Katherine Heigl. She offers a splendid rendition of an individualistic, tough feminist brought to the brink of her sanity. Pushing her body mentally and physically to the limit, Heigl gives a truly outstanding performance.
With an astounding script, lively performances, and strong direction. Knocked Up is a touching romantic comedy full of hilarity.
Knocked Up: 9 out of 10.
Posted on May 28, 2013, in Rom-Com and tagged Apatow, Comedy, Drama, Franco, Heigl, Hill, Rogen, Rom-com, Romance, Rudd, Segel. Bookmark the permalink. 12 Comments.
Good stuff my man. I’m not Apatow’s biggest fan but I really enjoyed this one. It dealt with the worries and problems of first time parenting with a real keen eye. I could identify with the characters and I pleasantly surprised me.
Thank you very much. I do enjoy Apatow’s earlier films and television shows but Knocked Up is easily his best. It is such an honest film that its hard not to like it.
Love this movie, Apatow’s best in my opinion. That just made This is 40 all the more disappointing though😦 Great review
Completely agree, definitely his best and absolutely made This is 40 that much worse haha.
I like Apatow and Rogan, oh and Rudd and I really like Leslie Mann😉 I think you got it right when you say “Knocked Up is Apatow’s most complete, honest, and endearing effort to date” he doesn’t always get that aspect right but here he does. nice one!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you agree. This is easily Apatow’s best film. Rudd and Rogen always seem to steal the show. Their back and forth’s are hilarious!
Yeah, I like Rogen, he has a lot of charisma on screen.
I’ve sort of trailed off with Rogen. Maybe because his newer films haven’t been as good. Hopefully This is the End will be much better. Nonetheless, I love his earlier work.
I’m sure This is the End will be great, hopefully better than The Watch!!!
Haha, so true. Have you seen the original trailer for This is the End? When Danny McBride says, “Seth, that was a better performance than you gave in your last 6 movies, where was that in Green Hornet?” I died of laughter.
Ha ha! I actually liked Green Hornet though…
It was okay, not great, could’ve been a lot better.