The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

This movie was the first blockbuster from Judd Apatow and crew, and after seeing it multiple times, it comes as no surprise that this group of filmmakers is currently on the forefront of Hollywood's comedy scene. In The 40 Year Old Virgin, Steve Carell is pressured by his work buddies to pop his cherry, when he meets and falls for someone who means more to him than just sex. This movie is absolutely hysterical, but I will say this, I was slightly disappointed the first time I saw it. After seeing Old School, every childish comedy that I watch is put up against it, and while 40 Year Old Virgin is great, it is no Old School. That may not be entirely fair, since I have yet to see a slapstick movie that can stand up to it, but I cannot help it. That said, this film is terrific; I loved the cast. This was Steve Carell's first leading role following the success of The Office, and he does not miss. Carell plays the role of the virgin so perfectly that it is almost hard to imagine that he is, in reality, married to the sex counselor. This was also Seth Rogen's first major role; after seeing him in 40 Year Old Virgin, it is no surprise that he is one of the biggest actors on the current comedy landscape. Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Banks are both terrific, as they are in everything. Rudd may be the most underrated funnyman on the scene today. There is also a hilarious scene with Jonah Hill that helped launch him into the spotlight. This film was perfectly cast, and the acting by just about everyone is superb. I have nothing bad to say about this film, other than that it is not Old School. It has a great plot, is really funny and delivers a lot of classic, unique one-liners that still get thrown around today. 40 Year Old Virgin gave us a great insight into the creative mind of Judd Apatow which has since given us classics like Knocked Up and Pineapple Express. As long as you are not squeamish about humor that is based almost entire on sex and foul language, I think you will really enjoy this movie. My wife has seen the film multiple times now, and we both really like it. I give The 40 Year Old Virgin 3 and a half stars.