This Is 40 Directed by: Judd Apatow Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel Rating: R Release Date: December 21, 2012
TRAILER SCORE: 5/10
Thoughts by TSR: Allow me to get my heresy out of the way up front: I’m not a huge fan of Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up. I was, however, quite fond of Paul Rudd’s part in the film. I don’t think it’s necessary in the slightest, but this is probably the best route to take if there has to be a sort-of-sequel. Unfortunately, despite focusing on Rudd and Leslie Mann’s characters, this first trailer for This Is 40 does almost nothing for me.
This doesn’t appear to be trying to be a wall to wall laugh riot like some of the Apatow comedies, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that I felt nearly all the laugh lines fell flat. While I imagine some found Leslie Mann’s “rings” or Melissa McCarthy’s high nipples hilarious, those moments did not amuse me. The one thing that did make me laugh was Paul Rudd baring all on the bed at the end. That sequence also served as a showcase for Rudd and Mann’s strong chemistry. The potential for more dramatic, human elements intrigues me more than the raunchy jokes I’m expecting, and that’s something their chemistry should go a long way towards fulfilling.
This Is 40 doesn’t come out until December, so I’m not yet going to give up hope. There are plenty more characters to meet – Albert Brooks as Paul Rudd’s father, for example – who still give me reason for optimism, but this trailer does not serve as a great first impression.