I've been wanting to catch this movie for a long time. Ever since I've heard about it showing in the States and it's from the people that brought us 40 Year Old Virgin, I eagerly awaited it's release here in the Philippines. I think the DVD is already out in the States but at long last, the movie finally hit our shores. I haven't even seen a single trailer of it, ever. With nothing else to watch at the theatres, me and my better half decided to go ahead and watch the damn thing at the most overpriced movie house in town, Greenhills Promenade. It was worth it though! Even though my rationale in watching movies is always "It's gotta have mind-blowing effects for me to fork over near 200 bucks to watch it", Junnis and I had a really good time watching the flick, and in the end, I think that's all you can ask for. In fact, this whole review was made just cause' she told me to make one, but hey, I'm a sweet guy so here goes nothing!

the wRong:

Running Time
At 129 minutes, it's not your average length romantic comedy. Although a very minor gripe, I felt the movie was a tad long and some scenes could've been shortened like the scene where Seth Rogen berates Paul Rudd for being a selfish husband. Some of you probably won't even notice the over-2 hour running time, but still, I had to find something to put in this section! haha


the Right:

Relatability
C'mon, everyone whose in a relationship or ever have been in one will relate to this movie. You don't even have to be 'knocked up' or knocked someone up to see yourself in these characters. For the dudes, everyone can understand Seth Rogen's slacking and celebrity skin watching, or Paul Rudd's longing for 'space' and male camaraderie. While you chicks will totally understand Katherine Heigl's hormonal fits and desire for her man to take things seriously. The more you're able to identify with these characters the more you'll laugh and enjoy the movie.

Cast
I don't know anything about the lead male, Seth Rogen and I don't watch Grey's Anatomy to see why Katherine Heigl won that Emmy (she did right?), but after seeing the movie, I can say they are two bright young stars in Hollywood. Seth plays a nice 'everyman' that all of us dudes can relate to. Katherine also does an excellent job as the career-driven woman who’s life is turned upside down after an ill-advised one night stand. She’s beautiful by the way, so plus points for that! Seth and Katherine definitely oozed chemistry on screen whether when they are fighting or sweet with one another. Married couples can probably relate to more to Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd's characters, one always trying to be a tad possessive while the other always in search for freedom that eludes him now that he has a ring around his finger and two children. Paul and Seth's bonding is also relatable for guys with girlfriends whose boyfriends get along.

Extras
Since Katherine works for E! there were a ton of special bit parts by actors playing themselves and it was a hoot in itself. James Franco and Steve Carrell practically steal the small scenes they’re in, while other’s like Ryan Seacrest and that dude from SNL also add a few chuckles. Not a big thing really, but it’s a nice touch.



the veRdict:

Sometimes you just need a movie like this to put a smile on your face. After all the summer blockbusters, fantasy flicks, and the upcoming horror movies, it's nice to find a simple movie everyone can relate to. You don't even have to be in the same situation to relate to the squabbles and hormone-induced quarrels Rogen and Heigl experience here. I think part of why we like movies is how we see ourselves in the characters and are able to connect with them. That's why each situation here is so funny and made the movie so enjoyable. Definitely catch this flick at the theaters or in DVD with your significant other for a sure-fire good time. I still think 'The Simpsons Movie' is the funniest movie of the year, but 'Knocked Up' comes in a close second.

ACTUAL RATING: