The 40 Year Old Virgin :: Wessex Scene Online

The 40 Year Old Virgin

Steve Carell gets the full body wax

1st November 2005
Philip Tonks

About this film

Title	The 40 Year Old Virgin
Director	Judd Apatow
Release Date	2 September 2005
Certificate
Genres	Comedy, Romance
Our Rating	3.5/5.0

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More by Philip Tonks

This is the story of a 40 year old for who sex just ‘never happened’ and his renewed effort to get some action.

Spurred on by new friends who discover he is a virgin whilst exchanging explicit stories during a poker game, the film charts Andy’s various attempts to get laid as they each give him their own unique advice.

Going to see this film I wasn’t sure what to expect: an off-beat and original comedy like Anchorman and Old School, or a standard romantic comedy. I thought I would be disappointed to discover that the film is, in structure, a standard rom-com, however the script and performances succeed in keeping it far above average.

Andy’s co-workers and friends are what set the film apart from other romantic comedies. There is David (Paul Rudd), the nice guy with a dark side who is still getting over a relationship that ended two years previously. Jay (Romany Malco), the black guy who forces Andy to get back out there and insists that the reason why he failed in the past was because he placed ‘the pussy on a pedestal’. And finally there is Cal (Seth Rogen), the bearded stoner who mistakes Andy for a serial killer. These four men have a great relationship, with the right blend of mocking and affection it is a joy to watch.

The film also displays a pleasing lack of political correctness, which could make the film a no-no for the easily offended but should please those who enjoy slightly braver films. The crudeness, however, is not the gross out sort found in films such as American Pie, but is more underplayed and wittier, although you still wouldn’t want to take mother to see this ‘picture’.

My only real criticism of The 40 Year Old Virgin is its noticeable lack of originality. If you dislike romantic comedies of all kinds then do not see this film, otherwise, if you are in the mood for a laugh then I heartily recommend this film, as it certainly gets more of them than Andy does women.