Released: 8/19/05

Viewed: 7:15 pm 8/20/05

Starring: Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, Seth Rogen

Directed by: Judd Apatow

What could have easily been a one-note joke told in? well 40 different ways, saves itself by exploring every possibility, telling you why you're gay, and falling in love. The 40 Year Old Virgin breaks away from mediocrity by burying the hysterical banter and gross out humor in the love story of a sweet simple man.

Steve Carell's Andy is the kind of guy you feel sorry for. Or make fun of. Or both. First one, then the other. But why? He's happy, and content, and he doesn't hurt anyone. Should he feel bad because he's 40 years old, and a virgin? Well this movie would have you think that. It's not the flagship film about how cool abstinence is, that the Catholic Church was hoping for. Everyone in this movie, including Andy is ready for Andy to get some.

Enter Andy's three friends, who serve as the true comic relief. If they aren't the comical situation themselves, they're ushering Carell into it. For me Rudd, Malco, and Rogen were the best part about this movie. They get the best one-liners. I guess that's what happens when your lead is the straight man in the act. I could seriously watch them just chit chat with Carell for the entire 2 hours. That's plenty entertaining to me.

As much as I loved them, the movie is nothing without Carell. He's awkward and pathetic, but not in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable. Because he has charm and likeability, so you know that things will work out for him. After playing the sidekick for the past few years Carell really step's up and owns the movie. I'm really happy for him in one respect because I'm such a fan and he deserves success. But on the other hand, has the world lost its best comedy wingman? His next few roles are all leads. Who will support our comedy gods when their best support becomes a god himself? Ok, that's maybe to thick of a metaphor, but you see what I mean.

I was surprised, but the jokes weren't bursting right out of the gate. There are cute moments, and laughs that are slowly built, but there's nothing right away that sets the tone as a huge laugher. Nothing that makes you fall over laughing. I'm not sure if this is a bad or good thing. Because at some point about 30 minutes in I found myself laughing louder and harder then I would have thought was possible. Where did this come from? I remember consciously thinking, "I'm not really into this." And the next thing I know, I'm stomping my feat and clapping my hands. It's as if the movie snuck up on me and punched right in my laugh box. (No idea where that is, but I was hit so hard that I expect there's some bruising.)

By the time it grabs you, you're hooked into the story and the characters, and the mission to get Andy laid. How director Judd Apatow was able to construct a masterful sneak attack of comedy is beyond me. This, along with his last film Anchorman, pretty much solidifies him as a comedy presence in Hollywood. Which is beyond satisfying after watching him struggle through the years with real quality projects like Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared. Both amazing shows that instantly found a voice, but could never find their audience. The fact that he's succeeded on the big screen in a big way is a true testament that the world's not crazy.

9 out of 10 Come on, if I gave Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo a 9, you knew I had to give this a 9 at least! It's really a better movie all around. While I felt the laughs were fewer, and harder to get to, they were much more substantial. Deuce kept me laughing but Virgin was able to keep me laughing while building and sustaining a believable plot. They worked harder for the laughs and you have to respect that. .

DVD worthy?: Yeah, this movie was great. It plays very smoothly and never really drags. There are too many laughs to ignore it on DVD. Let's hope it gets the same treatment Apatows other projects have gotten. Anyone see the Freaks and Geeks yearbook edition!? That thing is nuts!

If you liked this movie check out : Anchorman: The Ledged of Ron Burgundy

It's the obvious choice, but there's nothing wrong with that. Same sense of humor, and the same balance of sweet story with fall-out-of-your-chair laughs. Plus you get the Carell fix. It's great to see him step into the spotlight and shine so bright, but it will be a long time before anyone forgets Brick Tamland.

Trailer Hitch: Waiting?

Looks like Office space for the service industry. A lot of people will be able to relate to this movie because there are amore people serving the world then there are people being served. We all gotta work, right? And those people that aren't serving now, most likely at some point worked at Burger King or 7-11 or whatever. So right away this movie has strong appeal to pretty much everyone.

Add Ryan Reynolds and Justin Long into the mix and we've got ourselves something to really get excited about. I'm laying out the guarantee that this will be a great movie, but it definitely has more going for it then against it.

If you didn't get enough of your favorite super hero giving excuses why they haven't seal the deal yet, cast your vote and find out why the Flash is really called the Flash. It's a little obvious but still pretty darn funny.