12/26/12

This is 40

So this is what happens AFTER the "Happily Ever After." It's by Judd Apatow, so we know it will be an R-rated comedy and probably feature some of his repertory gang. It will be anatomical and will feature the dilemmas of adulthood (now that Apatow is an adult). Furthermore, it will center around a relationship in a marriage that has endured for over 10 years (like Apatow's).

Yup, here they are:
  • Paul Rudd ("The Perks of Being a Wallflower") Apatow LOVES this guy and uses him all the time...for good reason. Rudd is capable, funny and easy on the eye. Pete is suffering just a bit from the dreaded dailiness of a stable marriage.
  • Leslie Mann ("17 Again") Mom (Debby) is played by Mrs. Apatow, but before you are too critical of nepotism, please note that she is really attractive AND talented! In fact, this is a perfect showcase for her camera-friendly looks and her adept, straightforward acting.
  • Jason Segel ("Bad Teacher") is Debby's personal trainer.
  • Megan Fox ("Friends With Kids") works in Debby's boutique and has a little side business as well.
  • Melissa McCarthy ("Identity Thief") would have stolen this movie if she had been given any more scenes. She's the irate mother of a teenager.
  • Maude Apatow ("Funny People") is a big surprise. She plays Pete and Debby's teenage daughter and Maude is by now, an accom- plished actress. (She's been in a couple of her dad's movies.) This talented apple didn't fall very far from the tree.
Of course we see issues with parents that color the relationships our characters have with each other. And we see some hide-your-eyes shots of mammograms, pelvic and prostate exams, and other things best left off the screen.

A couple of sub-plots were necessary to fill out the story, but this looks like an honest depiction of an intelligent marriage, warts and all. I was not transported with gales of laughter, but I DID laugh.
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Here is a link to a trailer:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1021945113/
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