THIS IS 40 – The Review

After much success in one genre a film maker can become an adjective (in the Golden Age it was “Capra-esque”) and can branch out into a brand name with their production house presenting films from other directors with a similar sensibility. This was the case with Mel Brooks, then ZAZ (Zucker,Abrams,Zucker of AIRPLANE fame), the Farrelly brothers, and now Judd Apatow. After great box office success from producing (ANCHORMAN), he directed several hits (starting with THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN), then his company became the home to more comedy smashes (particularly last year’s BRIDESMAIDS). Now Apatow is behind the camera for his fourth directorial feature (based on his script), THIS IS 40. He’s returned to the world of his 2007 film KNOCKED UP, but it’s not the standard sequel. Ben (Seth Rogan) and Alison (Katherine Heigl) aren’t sending their toddler off to kindergarten. Instead Apatow has taken a cue from TV and has spun off some supporting characters from the earlier flick (like “Frazier” spun off from “Cheers”). The new film is the further adventures of Alison’s big sister Debbie (played by Judd’s real life wife Leslie Mann), her hubby Pete (Paul Rudd) and their two daughters Sadie and Charlotte (played by Apatow siblings Maude and Iris). Is this “semi-sequel” follow-up another big screen bonanza of hilarity for the Apatow empire?

When we catch up with them Pete and Debbie will both be turning 40 within the next few days. Except Debbie is in such denial that her cake reads 38. She’s also dealing with some cash discrepancies at the dress shop she owns. Is Jodi (Charlyne Yi) or Desi (Megan Fox) pilfering 12 grand? Plus she’s trying to re-connect with her estranged father, Oliver (John Lithgow). As for Pete, his music label is bleeding cash, so he’s trying to hide that from Debbie along with the fact that he’s loaning money to his overwhelmed dad, Larry (seems his younger second wife gave birth to triplets!). The daughters are constantly bickering, with now teenage Sadie in full rebel mode. Their house never stays quiet for very long.

Apatow assembles an all-star cast for this slice of life flick. Rudd is his usual likeable everyman here as a guy who’s being pulled in so many different directions. He’s got a warm rapport with the young actors particularly. There’s also great chemistry with his biking bud Robert Smigel (the man behind Triumph the Insult Comic Dog). Rudd makes a believable spousal team with Mann. Hers is the more difficult role as Debbie is fighting middle age with all her might. Unfortunately she can come off as a vain exasperating pill in too many scenes. She does great work with Annie Mumolo (co-writer of BRIDESMAIDS) especially in an opening sequence with their personal trainer played by Apatow regular Jason Segal. The big surprise is the comedic turn from screen siren Megan Fox. The ladies night out with her and Mann scores several big laughs (especially as Fox talks about her side job). Lithgow has little to do besides being cold and aloof and Rudd’s music co-workers Chris O’Dowd (another BRIDESMAIDS alum) and Lena Dunham (HBO’s “Girls”) are under-utilized. And then there’s Apatow’s big score. After an outstanding villainous turn in last year’s DRIVE, Brooks returns to comedy as a modern Willy Loman. He’s got a big chip on his shoulder while being hyper-sensitive to any slight. His scenes with Rudd crackle. But the performer that may generate the most laughs per minute of screen time is BRIDESMAIDS MVP Melissa McCarthy as the enraged mother of one of Sadie’s schoolmates. Be sure and stick around for the end credits. Her (I suspect) mostly improved rage-fueled tirade in the principal’s office leaves the actors and crew in helpless hysterics. If only the entire film had her energy!

With his third film FUNNY PEOPLE, Apatow seemed to have a difficult time keeping his movies on track and within a reasonable running time. Unless the word “mad” is repeated four times in the title, no movie comedy should be over two hours (this problem has also occurred in the films he’s produced, like this year’s THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT). The story meanders all over the place with some subplots never really paying off (the strained Debbie/Oliver lunch or the Pete produced Graham Parker CD). Far too much time is taken up with endless bickering. One horrific screaming tirade from Sadie is met with little punishment. Much of the time this film plays out like the viewer is trapped at a very bad, tension-filled dinner party. The big BBQ birthday party for Pete near the film’s end is one awkward moment piled on top of another and another leading to a forced reconciliation. Lots of folks will find much to laugh about and identify with in this film, but from the man who’s brought us some of the best TV and movie comedy of the last couple decades THIS IS 40 is a rambling, unfocused effort. I truly wish this gifted film maker better luck (and laughs) next time.

3 Out of 5