The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

Starring: Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogan, Catherine Keener
Director: Judd Apatow
Country: USA
Genre: Comedy

Say what you will about Apatow-brand films, but you cannot deny the influence they have had on modern day comedy. The grouping of films range from broad comedies (Anchorman (2003),) to coming-of-age hilarities (Superbad (2007),) to big-budget action-comedies (Pineapple Express (2008),) (and yes, even some flops (Walk Hard (2007), Drillbit Taylor (2008), Year One (2009),) but none quite stack up to the films in which Judd finds himself in the directors seat, and they all begin with The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Steve Carell puts in a brilliant performance as the late bloomer who finds himself in a series of confusing and frustrating situations, trying to deal with his virginity. What this film does best is define the line of vulgar humor, (of which there is a lot,) and genuine heart. It never condescends to its main character’s problem, like so many sex-comedies do, but rather treats it with the respect it deserves, which is actually from where most of the humor derives. For my money, as bold of a statement as it is,  The 40-Year-Old Virgin is the funniest ‘laugh-out-loud’ film of the decade.

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Other Links to this Post

1. Best Films of the 2000s: Anchorman (2004) | The Best Films of 2000s: This Guy Over Here — October 27, 2009 @ 10:06 am

2. Best Films of the 2000s: Knocked Up (2007) | The Best Films of 2000s: This Guy Over Here — November 10, 2009 @ 12:22 pm

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