Every now and then a comedy film is released that stands out from the norm of boring popcorn movies that have the same repetitive jokes and lack a solid storyline. Knocked Up directed by Judd Apatow and starring Seth Rogan, exceeds the normal wave of lackluster comedy movies recently released such as Good Luck Chuck and Daddy Day Camp.

Knocked Up follows Ben Stone, a slacker in his early 20’s who accidentally impregnates Alison Scott, a career driven woman who is slightly older.

After waking up, they both decide that they are not right for each other and decide not to keep in touch. But eight weeks later, Allison finds out that she is pregnant with Ben’s child.

Ben decides to support Allison and the baby. By spending lots of time together, they eventually get closer and become an actual couple. Ben even proposes to Allison awkwardly and unsuccessfully. But Allison is still adored by his consideration.

Eventually, Allison and Ben realize that they have many issues with one another’s lifestyles and determinations. Ben finds it hard to adapt to Allison’s career driven ethic of tedious work and dedication. And Allison is equally frustrated by Ben’s satisfaction in doing nothing other than smoking weed and hanging out with his friends. They painfully break up.

Ben then takes a road trip with his friend Pete, the husband of the couple who Allison lives with that is going through similar problems. Together, they have a revelation, realizing they need to accept the fate of a relationship even if it involves taking on new responsibility.



Allison call’s Ben when she is having the baby. They get back together in a short amount of time because Ben has changed his lifestyle to one Allison likes and accepted the responsibility the future holds for him.

In addition to its intriguing plot, Knocked Up is genuinely funny. It shows the viewer an honest view of real life experiences that range from good to bad. Apatow did this with his TV series Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared which both got cancelled. He finally received mainstream success when he released 2005’s The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

All Apatow movies typically have alumni from his two TV Series. Knocked Up continues this tradition by having the majority of characters from Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared in the movie such as Jason Segal, James Franco, Martin Starr and Rogan himself. This works out great because it allows the film to give the viewer the same type of experience that the shows do.

Knocked Up is also one of the first comedies of 2007 to successfully mix drama with comedy. Although The 40-Year-Old Virgin was truly a perfect movie, Apatow had to try and give the viewer something different with his next film. So he uses drama that shows the issues that every couple goes through as well as what a person wants to do with their life as they get older, It payed off tremendously.

The first time you see Knocked Up, it will leave you with a smile on your face. Many movies can do this, but only a select few will actually leave a lasting impression.

Knocked Up will.

Knocked Up is now out on DVD.