Branded as the sort of sequel to “Knocked Up,” Judd Apatow is bringing us “This Is 40” this Christmas. The reason it is sort of a sequel is because “Knocked Up” centered around Ben (Seth Rogen) and Alison (Katherine Heigl) and “This Is 40” will be centered around Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann).
The film maintains its continuity as it takes place a few years after “Knocked Up.” Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigl are not in the film, which for me is a total positive. I’m not super excited for this movie, but it’s one of those that, yes, I will be in a theater watching it when it hits us on Dec. 21.
Paul Rudd is the reason I think this movie can make it on its own. He is one of my favorite comedians and I think it shows in the trailers. I am also really digging the addition of Melissa McCarthy (“Bridesmaids”) as she is hysterical in my book. I nearly urinated on myself when I first saw “Bridesmaids” because of her. Leslie Mann is also a terrific comedic force that will amplify as she bounces off of Rudd. I think there is definite potential for this film to be funny. Throw in Judd Apatow’s writing and I can see why the sort of sequel is not relying on Rogan and Heigl.
Megan Fox also has been added to the roster, which in many cases is a total deal-breaker for me. This is a totally personal preference and I understand that her addition will probably draw in a bigger crowd — a lot of folks enjoy looking at her. Just throwing it out there, but I think Mila Kunis could have very easily fit into this film and a lot of people enjoy looking at her as well That being said, I won’t skip this film because of Fox, as she is not a main character and the other supporting players are enough to get me into a seat.
One thing I am anxious to see is the throwbacks and digs to the first film, because I can only imagine what went into a script such as this. I’m sure there was much to be ad-libbed and plenty of opportunity to tease Rogen and Heigl in the process.
Plot-wise, I am not too concerned with a raunch-com. What is important to me is the joke writing. Judd Apatow doesn’t worry me. All in all, like I said, I am not super-excited. But I will definitely be seeing the week it comes out. It looks like a great buddy film and I’ll be gathering my friends for this one.
As one would imagine, “This Is 40” is rated R for sexual content, crude humor and pervasive language as well as some drug material.
. . .
Follow Jessika Owens on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jessika.
And don’t forget to “Like” It’s Just Movies on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/itsjustmovies.