Knocked Up

With the forthcoming release of the much-anticipated Superbad, it seems like we might have found a new comedy pairing in Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill. However, unlike Superbad, which has been marketed as a goofball teen comedy, some of Knocked Up’s marketing dollars seem to have actually been spent on netting a female audience. Posters ask, what would you do if fat loser Ben Stone (Rogen) got you pregnant? And indeed, this is the central event of the film. After a foolish one night stand following the celebrations of a promotion, Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) finds herself testing positive with every home pregnancy kit the pharmacy has to offer. Knocked Up tells of the turbulent and unlikely relationship between an unemployed, overweight stoner and an attractive career woman.

Indeed, if there is to be a criticism of the film it is the lacking plausibility of the bizarre and apparently unprecedented decision of the Alison Scott character to give Stone a chance at a relationship in the first place. However, this plot blip is easily forgiven amongst the laughs that come in quick and often. Although some glint of meaning can be taken from Stone’s maturation from overgrown school kid to adult, the film works best when taken as the non-serious gag fest it is.

Released 24th August 2007 by Universal Pictures.

Written by Andrew Williams.