Review of This Is 40 (2012) by Michael S — 06 Apr 2014

"This is 40" is definitely Judd Apatow's weakest directorial effort to date, but it's not a film to dismiss because of it. The film has a phenomenal cast (and Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann are terrific), but many of the players aren't utilized and are no more than throwaways.

The premise and family dynamic should equate a touching dramedy the likes of "Funny People," but so much time is spent on scatter-shot scenes that stray from the plot and the central relationships.

Also for as talented as the cast and Apatow are, the film isn't consistently funny... the constant referencing Apatow is known for in particular comes of weak here. It's strange that the biggest laughs belong to Melissa McCarthy (who is amazing in a small guest role), playing an unnecessary character who's inclusion is rendered necessary ONLY to pick up the comedic slack.

This all adds up to a film that's totally uneven, but still harbors an admirable spirit and insight into the modern American family. It's fun not funny; a base hit instead of a home run.