OFF THE SHELF: The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
Comedy juggernaut Judd Apatow has built a hilarity empire producing cult TV shows like “Freaks and Geeks” and hit films like “Bridesmaids.” As a director, he often tries to find the balance between the comedy of real life with the drama of everyone’s personal trial and tribulations. In his directorial debut, Apatow doesn’t exactly shy away from going low brow, but “The 40 Year Old Virgin” still radiates with a lot of heart, charm, and, yes, laughs even fifteen years after it debuted in theaters.
Andy (played by Steve Carell) works a menial job at a Best Buy-esque tech superstore. When his coworkers find out that he’s never “done the deed,” they take him on a wild ride to find someone. Andy eventually falls for a local woman, but the mounting pressure from his dude-bro buddies makes it hard for the kind-hearted if awkward man to find real love.
“The 40-Year-Old Virgin” was the breakout feature for star Steve Carell. In fact, the film’s success was partially responsible for the renewal of The Office after its first season. As Andy, Carell brings the usual amount of earnest charm and high-strung comedic energy he’s brought to so many of his most famous roles. Catherine Keener plays Trish, the woman Andy falls for. Keener is one of my favorite actresses and as usual she’s both vulnerable and funny. Rounding out the cast are TONS of comedic greats before they hit it big, notably Seth Rogen, Jane Lynch, and Paul Rudd (you’ll even spot a young Jonah Hill and Kevin Hart in there).
While some of the humor might be a little dated by today’s standards (the “You know how I know you’re gay?” bit doesn’t exactly hold up), I think it’s worth noting that the film does tear down a LOT of sexist preconceptions and masculine ideologies. Andy’s coworkers are constantly goading him throughout the film to get laid but in reality, Andy’s just a sincere guy who respects others and doesn’t want to rush into something special.
In fact, one of the film’s biggest strengths is its sincerity. For as raunchy and ridiculous as the comedy is at times, the movie is extremely charming. Almost to the point of annoyance. A large part of that is owed to the characterization of Andy. He’s just so likable and sweet. His very presence makes even the most uncomfortable situations tangibly enjoyable.
As far as weaknesses go, I will say that the movie is a little long. The film clocks in at 116 minutes which is pretty long by comedy standards. Hell, I have the uncut version which runs at 136 minutes! An issue I’ve long had with Apatow is his directorial features can often drag at times and verge into self-indulgence. It’s almost as if he wants to prove that he can do both comedy and drama. Dude, we know you can! You don’t need to remind us!
Despite that, The 40-Year-Old Virgin remains a hilarious early staple of much of the comedy that would come to define our generation, thanks to its talented star and its sincere approach.
3.5/4
