Knocked Up Review

NOTE **  Both NBC Universal and the director of Knocked Up (Judd Apatow) are being sued over the film by author Rebecca Eckler, who claims that the concept was stolen from her 2004 book of the same name.  I have not read the novel in question, so I don't feel that I should voice opinions on the case; however, I will say that the idea of getting pregnant after a one-night stand is fairly universal.  Also, Apatow is an experienced and successful filmmaker, and this charge was very surprising to me. 

I hope that the concept for the film was NOT stolen, but if it was, I hope that Ms. Eckler gets her due in the matter.  Being a writer myself, I can only imagine how I would feel in this situation.  Either way, I hope that this does not overshadow the wonderful performances given by the film's cast and crew, because they deserve to feel proud of their outstanding work in Knocked Up.

I don't think anything could spoil this movie - it's just too good (and the ending is sort of a foregone conclusion) - but, regardless, there are no spoilers contained in this review!

The Case

I knew that Grey's Anatomy's Katherine Heigl was going to be in a new movie soon.  I love her performance in that show - and some other things I've seen her in - so I was interested in this new film.  I heard it was called Knocked Up, a comedy.  It sounded promising.  I thought maybe I might rent it when it came to DVD.  And then my parents went to see it in the theater.  And they came back raving.  So funny!  They laughed the entire movie long!  Best comedy they've ever watched!  My parents of all people!  Well, I had to see it after that, if only to prove that they were wrong.  But they weren't.  Knocked Up was everything they said and more!

The Good

To put it simply, I laughed so hard that I cried.  I laughed continuously, for the entire two hours I sat in the theater.  I cracked up everytime I thought about the movie throughout the rest of the day.  I want to go see it again and actually listen to all of the scenes I initially missed because I was laughing too hard to hear them.  I want to buy the DVD and use it as a workout video, because I've heard that you burn calories by laughing, and Knocked Up will most definitely get me in shape!

The story is 'tight' and couldn't be much 'tighter' (you'll get that after you see it).  The pacing is wonderful, the plot is well-crafted, and the writing is superb.  It picks up momentum and doesn't let you off until the end (even the credits are delightful)!  And the characters are the essence of humorous, every single one - leads, supporting cast, heck, even extras!  The quirkiness is off the charts, and that's a good thing, believe me!

I must give kudos to Judd Apatow, the writer, director, and producer of Knocked Up.  With classics like the 40-Year-Old Virgin and cult television show Freaks and Geeks under his belt, creating something even funnier must have been a challenge, but he succeeded with Knocked Up!

Trust me on this: Knocked Up has it all!  Ladies and gents of all ages will enjoy the heck out of this film!  Chick flick and over-the-top comedy combine brilliantly!  It's got something for everyone!

The Bad

It's vulgar.  Lots of swearing.  And graphic.  Lots of drug use and sex.  Plus, Knocked Up has the most in-your-face birth/delivery sequence I've witnessed in awhile.  I gotta say, though, in my mind, all of these things added to the movie.  Made it even better!  You've just gotta see it!

The Verdict

Five stars!  If there's a must-see movie this summer, it's definitely Knocked Up!