Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogan play their characters well in Knocked Up.
Herald rating: * * *
Katherine Heigl is making the most of her popularity on successful television show Grey's Anatomy, and the transition from small screen to big screen looks like a pretty simple operation.
She got good raps playing Johnny Knoxville's sweet love interest in the silly The Ringer and she continues
to charm us here as 24-year-old Alison Scott who gets knocked up after a one-night stand in this comedy, from current hot producer/writer/director Judd Apatow, of The 40 Year Old Virgin fame.
As far as romantic comedies are concerned, you could be mistaken for thinking that a film about an unwanted pregnancy lacks both comedy and romanticism. But unlike most formulaic comedies, what works in Knocked Up's favour is that it's based on a real situation and is loaded with reality - a quirky reality mind you. It suits Apatow's honest, sometimes crass and over-the-top style of comedy, and amidst it all, he also proves he's a romantic.
The main gag is that while Alison is a talented, up and coming E! Television reporter, the father of her child, Ben, is a stoner and slacker whose main ambition in life is to create a website that tells you where and in which films you can find your favourite actresses naked. This makes for an interesting nine months, as the two get to know each other, deal with the joys of being pregnant and the idea of impending parenthood.
Seth Rogan couldn't be better cast as Ben, he looks, sounds and acts the part of an overgrown child so well that he becomes annoying. The film also features a series of cameos by stars playing themselves as they appear on E! Television, with mixed results. Ryan Seacrest borders on embarrassing, yet James Franco manages to avoid making a tosser of himself.
Knocked Up is good fun, probably more so for those who have been through the whole baby thing. It's a little lengthy, and does have a tendency to slip into pregnancy cliches, but ultimately it's a refreshing, amusing, and surprisingly touching comedy.
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Seth Rogan
Director: Judd Apatow
Running time: 130 mins
Rating: R16, drug use, sex scenes, offensive language
Screening: SkyCity
Verdict: Filled with the same style of brass, irreverent humour as The 40 Year Old Virgin, but with more realistic subject matter
