Knocked Up - a review and trailer
August 7th 2007 01:23
Last night my husband and I saw Knocked Up at Hoyts. This was an unusual action for a few reasons. The first and main being that I didn’t have one of those coupons where the tickets price is $9.50 instead of $14 as I begrudge giving those big conglomerate cinemas the extortionate prices they charge. The second reason that it was the type of film that we’d normally see on DVD. Anyhoo, we rarely do it and we wanted an easy-to-watch comedy for some escapism. And it worked.
Knocked Up is an American comedy film written and directed by Judd Apatow who previously made The-Forty-Year-Old Virgin. It stars Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd (Phoebe’s husband in Friends), and Leslie Mann. Apatow is excellent with characterisation, and to me, the film’s strength stemmed from the fact that all his protagonists seemed believable (to an extent of course). But the acting was convincing, there were some very funny and witty parts and some of the dialogue was hilarious.
Alison Scott, played by Katherine Heigl, is a beautiful TV presenter that has just been promoted and goes out to a nightclub with her married sister, Debbie, (Leslie Mann), to celebrate. Alison celebrates so much that she ends up in bed with Ben Stone, (Seth Rogen), a scruffy, likeable bloke who enjoys sessions of grass smoking worth his three other similar friends talking about inane subject. He isn’t working apart from co-running a website that is dedicated to researching how much nudity is in films, when it happens and if it is full-nudity or just breast and how often.
It is obvious that the archetypes are set up to be as different as possible, probably for the audience to wonder why they are together. But Ben wants desperately to do the right thing. He's a decent guy. And that goofy grin of his — it's contagious.
When Alison discovers eight weeks later that she is pregnant, her world begins to spiral around her. She can’t tell her job because she worries that she will be demoted, although they legally can’t do that, but her boss is an expert in clouding an ultimatum in a sphere of supposed concern. But really she and we the audience know the subtext, her job is in jeopardy and if they could find a loophole to get rid of her they would.
Alison contacts Ben, who once he gets over the shock, says he will be there to support her and the baby. The couple's efforts to develop a relationship/friendship include a marriage proposal from Ben. Alison declines and tension begins heightening in the relationship. Alison is increasingly anxious over both Ben's lack of responsibility and from watching her sister's failing marriage (who incidentally I could not stand, she is a judgments, controlling person. Eventually the couple part and I’ll leave it there in case you see it.
This is not deep and meaningful film, but it definitely is an above-average contemporary film especially if you are in the mood for some escapism and laughs. And while it isn't perfect, it's still a fumbling and funny adjustment to the shock of pregnancy, the reality of love and the turmoil of all that comes after.
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Great review. I went along to see this flick, simply because I actually found The 40 Yr Old Virgin funny....rather than simply stupid, as I expected.
I did enjoy this film. Seth Rogen is so likeable. And his friends.....I loved them.....probably because they remind me of two of my best friends (brothers) and their mates.
I loved the interaction between Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd. They had great chemistry.
Kylie
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Great review. I also enjoyed this film. It was easy to watch and like you say full of some really funny scenes.
I am always amazed by how much you get out of a movie.
Job well done!
ash
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
yes it sounds like a bit of fun...and probably a LOT funnier than giving birth...well...so I'd imagine!!
Anyhoo, taa for the pug post comments, and just to let you know I have posted the short list for the domain name comp...you are on it too!!!...YIPPEEEE!!!!
cheers and beers
fog
P.S. Also, I posted a reply to your qustion about copyright here, I suggest you check it out...we can chat via private email about it if you wish to discuss anything further...cheers!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I loved Ben as well, he was so likeable but quite frustrating at the same time! Yes, I thought it was going to be stupidly funny but I was surprised at it being wittily funny. I enjoyed it.
I also loved the friendship between Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd, they worked so well together. I felt sorry for Seth, I didn’t like his controlling wife.
Thanks for your comments,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for the complements, I'm glad you enjoyed the film as well as the review.
I always wish I had a had a better memory when I see films so that I can write down the quotes I think are good. I have taken a notebook with me before but then I find I spend so much energy treating the film as a job that I don't quite get into it and that of course affects my review. So now I just focus on its essence rather than trying to hard to capture it perfectly.
Byeeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Good to see you. I squirmed at the birth scene, it was pretty realistic and enough to scare me off the process.
Thanks for adding my suggestion to the short list, when will you declare the winning name?
Thanks for the copyright info, if I think of anything I’ll send you a message.
Byeee
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Great review! I adored this movie (I had such low expctations of it and was pleasantly surprised).
Mis
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the review.
Yes, I also liked the film a lot more than I was expecting. It had some very witty lines didn't it?
Byeee
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
yes the big Domain contest ends this Friday!! YIPPEEEE!!!!
BUT....then I have ot try and work out which one I like best.....and there are tooo many good ones!!
oh well...I thought maybe I should ask everyone to vote for the ones they like best, and I'lll pick from the top three...or something...whaddyathunk? And then I'll post the winner by Friday midnigth...maybe....ohhh dear....it is stressful!!!!!!!!
cheers
fog
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I just had a look at the contenders, there are so many..good luck with the final decision,
Tracy