The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)

Universal Pictures
Theatrical Release Date: August 19, 2005 (USA)
Home Release Date: December 13, 2005
Director: Judd Apatow
UnRated!

Review by Mike Romcoe

I hate that ice breaker question asked at the water cooler, “Have you seen any good movies lately?” But the “Unrated” version of “The 40 Year Old Virgin” left me with plenty of fodder. I haven’t laughed like this since the old days of National Lampoon’s “Vacation” series. Finally Hollywood produced a well-written comedy that doesn’t feature Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler. The recently released “Unrated” version retains footage too bold for theatres, denying viewers none of the hilarity.

According to www.the40yearoldvirgin.com, “Andy Stitzer (Steve Carell) has gone 40 years without ‘doing it’. Now his pals are making it their mission to help him score. Fast! Can he survive their hilariously bad advice?” Carell finds true love in gorgeous young grandmother Trish (Catherine Keener), an E-Bay dealer who makes him thousands by auctioning off the last symbol of his virginity, his action figure collection. Can Trish succeed where Andy’s friends could not?

You may recognize Steve Carell from his cable television appearances on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” or feature comedy films like “The Legend of Ron Burgundy” or “Bruce Almighty”. If not, there is a chance you may have seen him in a performance in Chicago, IL where he was a veteran of the Second City Theatre Group.

Catherine Keener adapts well in both comedic and dramatic roles. She received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Spike Jones’s “Being John Malkovich” and won the 2003 Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress. To me she is best noted for her role in the comedy sitcom “Seinfeld” as the artist who paints the famous “Kramer” portrait.

This movie is a lot of fun to watch, but the “Unrated” version is not for the timid or shy. There is plenty of nudity and strong language, all of which I feel was done in good taste. I really liked this movie. It will keep you laughing all the way through, even after it’s over. So, put the kids to bed, start the popcorn and get ready for a hit DVD comedy that all of us can relate to, virgin or not.