Knocked Up (2007)

Directed by Judd Apatow. Starring Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Martin Starr, Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow, Ken Jeong, Alan Tudyk, Kristen Wiig, Harold Ramis, Joanna Kerns, Charlyne Yi. [R]

A rom-com with consequences, as sardonic slacker Rogen and motivated career woman Heigl have a one-night stand that results in an unplanned pregnancy; after weighing her options, she decides to keep it, and after much reluctance, he commits as well. Naturally, as the two navigate the difficult circumstances and prepare to become parents, their relationship blossoms as well. Apatow’s second directorial effort delivers his usual blend of raunchy, stoner-friendly humor with sweetness and heart, but it’s more than just that—it’s also smarter than your average crass laffer, it’s funnier than your average formula romance, and it’s more perceptive than your average coming-of-(adult)-age seriocomedy. Rogen excels in his first starring role as a likable schlub with a case of arrested development, and Heigl is an appealing partner who sidesteps most of the “stick-in-the-mud” clichés (Mann, playing her sister, is not so lucky on that count). Could have used some pruning, particularly in the final act during some awkward scenes involving Rogen pinballing between Heigl and doctors prior to delivery, but there’s a shaggy and improvisational vibe that makes it almost a pleasure to overstay a visit with these funny people. Lots of famous faces and up-and-comers appear briefly, including Steve Carell, Bill Hader, Ryan Seacrest, Jessica Alba, Craig Robinson and Stormy Daniels (up-and-comer, indeed).

81/100