Knocked Up

Well, I caved-in and saw a movie that ordinarily isn't my "type." There was something about the promotion of this film that caught my eye and I couldn't resist. Having seen The 40 Year-Old Virgin, by the same writing team and also featuring this film's leading actor Seth Rogen, I was prepared for outrageous humor and oddly-poignant socio-cultural commentary. I was not disappointed.

Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) is a 23-year-old slacker. He passes his days working without compensation on a website and getting high with his friends. Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) is a responsible, career-minded woman on a fast-track course in Hollywood media correspondence. One night, Alison and Ben find themselves at the same club, and have a one night fling. After a follow-up date they discover they have little in common and go their separate ways. Eight weeks later, however, Alison discovers that she is pregnant... and that Ben is the father. The resulting story, while clearly predictable by any standard, is hilariously satisfying and illuminating. It's worth the price of admission alone to see Ryan Seacrest (of American Idol fame) play himself as an off-camera loather of the cult of celebrity. Genius.

3 1/2 out of 5 stars