This is 40 is
being described as the sort of sequel to 2007’s Knocked Up in that the central characters first appeared in that
movie. Besides that there is little to connect the stories of the two films
although the early mid life crisis that Debbie (Leslie Mann) and Pete (Paul
Rudd) found themselves entering five years ago are now fully formed. Debbie and
Paul are a married couple on the cusp of their fortieth birthdays. Their two
children (played by Mann’s and Writer/Director Judd Apatow’s real children
Maude and Iris) are finding it difficult to get along and both parents are in
turn having problems with their own fathers. In the background is a financial
noose which threatens to envelop their necks at any time.
I believe that This is
40 contains some of Judd Apatow’s best writing to date. This might not
sound like much of a compliment considering his writing credits have included You Don’t Mess with the Zohan and Funny People but in amongst the poorer
stuff, Apatow has written some very good comedy. This is 40 is not only very funny but also sweet and contains a lot
of realistic relationship talk, arguments and situations.
