This Is 40-2012

Director Judd Apatow

Starring Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann

Scott’s Review #473

Reviewed September 6, 2016

Grade: B

I must admit, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing this movie, and my initial thought was “typical dumb comedy” that’s been seen a million times before.

While This Is 40 (2012) contains those elements and is marketed toward a specific target audience, it’s surprisingly smart and intelligent overall.

I have not viewed Knocked Up (2007), but I understand it’s somewhat of a follow-up to that film, as the two central characters are now married and traversing through a different time in their lives.

Adulthood.

I enjoyed Paul Rudd’s, Melissa McCarthy’s, and whoever played the oldest daughter’s performances the most. However, Rudd has become the latest actor to play the same role over and over again.

I enjoyed the rock n roll elements and the confrontation scenes, as these were very cleverly written and nicely acted.

Sadly, at times the film relies on the standard bathroom humor done thousands of times before- a clear attempt at a laugh, and Jason Segel’s and Megan Fox’s characters are unnecessary to the main plot.

This Is 40 (2012) is a film that, at its heart, shows the trials and tribulations of generations of families, humorously, and done rather well.