The 40-Year Old Virgin (2005)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
"The 40-Year Old Virgin" is about Andy, played by Carell (Anchorman), who is pressured by his new friends from work to "do the deed," after going through half his life as a virgin. However, the pressure increases when he falls for a single mother and is embarrassed to tell her he has no experience in intimate matters. The greatest strength of the movie is the fact that it keeps all the characters real. The dialogue written by Carell and director Judd Apatow is outlandish and hilarious, but the characters themselves have legitimate quirks and believable problems. Each of the characters grow because of Andy's influence on them instead of the other way around, and I love that. The picture doesn't seek to make fun of Andy, but to examine the importance of sex in a deeply meaningful relationship. THAT's why the movie's material is so great. Carell is one of the best comedic actors on the scene, and I am glad he not only got to write, executive produce and star in this picture, but is doing well at the box office as well. Paul Rudd (Anchorman), Romany Malco (The Tuxedo) and Seth Rogen (Donnie Darko) were just three of an awesome supporting cast as Andy's friends. Each of them had their own defining attributes and worked well to make their parts rich with forethought and growth. Catherine Keener (The Interpreter) was enjoyable as Andy's girlfriend, and Jane Lynch (A Mighty Wind) was absolutely creepy as his boss. Overall, this picture is the best movie of the year for its material alone. It's hilarious and sometimes offensive to women, but only because it depicts three sexually experienced men trying to get Andy to come out of his shell, so there is bound to be some "guy" talk. I've seen people walk out of the cinema watching this movie in the first act, because they were offended. To those people, I have to say you missed a caring picture with a caring message, and one of the best pictures of the year. So, if you're THAT offended by this movie, I suggest you jump up your own a** and die. Benn - Where's the Humanity?
So far, this is my favorite movie of the year (Aug. 2005). It has a lot of heart, a great message, great R-Rated laughs and it proves Steve Carell is one our best rising comedic actors.