Knocked Up

(The following is an unedited version of my review for The Aggie)

Usually a one-night stand is just that – one night. But when there’s a call eight weeks later by the girl, saying she’s pregnant, things are unexpectedly thrown off track for the lives of both partners. Such is the premise of the extremely funny, yet endearing comedy Knocked Up.

From the writer and director of The 40 Year Old Virgin (Judd Apatow), comes another very R-rated romp about relationships and all of the little quirks in between. With a stellar cast of mostly familiar faces from other Apatow productions like Virgin and shows “Freaks and Geeks” and “Undeclared,” the movie has great chemistry among the characters attached to both the male and female sides of this now forever changed couple.

The incomparable Seth Rogen, plays Ben Stone, a pothead with a life-plan of setting up an adult-themed website with his also stoner roommates. Meanwhile, Alison Scott, played by “Grey’s Anatomy’s” Katherine Heigl, is a stunning up and coming news correspondent for a television network, just landing a big promotion.

Then the two cross paths and bam – pregnant. The story develops as the two decide to proceed with the pregnancy, regardless of their differences and Alison’s initial lack of attraction toward Ben. So they get to know each other, as well as Ben’s friends and Alison’s sister and brother-in-law, who’s own instable marriage acts as the only immediate example of a relationship.

What is great about Apatow’s writing and directing is that most scenes feel very authentic and relatable with conservations involving numerous pop culture references said by the colorful characters. The dialogue between Ben and his friends are particularly candid, thus unforgettable with some of the best lines of the entire film.

Although there is a large focus on Ben’s development from loser status to a somewhat presentable person ready for parenthood, the film could have given more attention to Alison. Her character is clearly seen as more professional and responsible than Ben, but she isn’t given a solid foundation and seems slightly one-dimensional. The film also jumps quickly into the “in love” phase between Ben and Alison, without plainly showing why their feelings have suddenly changed.

The viewer might laugh at these characters and some of their wild shenanigans, but there is always a likeability factor that makes the audience root for every one of them. Up is both a strikingly sweet and crude film about the importance of making compromises and accepting the unexpected, whether through laughter, tears or, as Ben often prefers, a bong.