Knocked Up

Knocked Up is a film that doesn’t always leave the best first impressions. The title itself is coarse and obvious, and in two words, summarise what the film is about. Ben Stone (Seth Rogen), true to his last name, is a slacker who has no life ambitions or goals besides smoking pot, hanging out with loser friends and “trying” to launch a website that revolves around nude female stars. Alison Scott (Kathering Heigl), on the other hand, is the pole opposite. Attractive, ambitious and determined, she’s on the fast track in life. In fact, she just got promoted. To celebrate, she goes out to a trendy bar and that’s when her paths cross with Ben. Inebriated and jubilant over her career, Alison consents to a one-night-stand with Ben and a few weeks later, finds out that she’s pregnant! Alison wants to keep the child and Ben decides to do the honorable thing by proposing to her, and so the hilarity crashes through with the subtlety of porn stars on a fire engine. As said before, Knocked Up might not leave great first impressions but like its leading man Ben, the movie redeems itself towards the end. Director Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin) has done a great job by balancing out the vulgarity with a careful treatment of his characters and real life issues that tug at the heart, somehow managing to make his brand of vulgarity endearing, and that itself is a feat. Coupled with a bright, witty script and a great supporting cast—Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann are awesome as Alison’s sister and brother-in-law—Knocked Up is a surprisingly hilarious film that will relate to both genders. It’s also a much-needed breath of fresh air from the CGI-loaded blockbusters of summer.

Director Judd Apatow Cast Katherine Heigl. Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann Runtime 129 minutes Opens 6 September

Text Sarah Chan