The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

Just how big was Judd Apatow in comedy during the 00s and 2010s? One of the most successful and influential comedic creators of the time, Apatow set the tone for a whole new approach to comedy. These were not brisk 80-minute comedies drenched in silliness and zaniness. These were two-hour plus comedies filled to the brim with humanity and improvisational jokes. Apatow found his crew of performers and allowed them to explore humor in the space of stories that were either quite specific or broadly character based. An unexpected pregnancy. A late bloomer trying to get laid for the first time. A famous comedian and his waning career. Relatably human but with tons of laughs. That was the blueprint for excellent comedies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

What makes this film so relatable? Virginity was such a big thing for Gen Xers and Millennials. Apatow knew his audience and understood how the story of the film could deeply connect with such large groups of people. Sex is not as much of a concern for Gen Z or Alpha but that was not the case for the few generations before them. This story speaks to them with all the awkwardness and taboo surrounding such an experience. Apatow finds the comedy in the fact that Steve Carell’s character is well older than most who lose their virginity but many of the pressures and uncomfortable events in the story are ones that are quite relatable for many men (especially). The cultural pressures. Pressures from the media. Peer pressures in the situation. Apatow’s comedy explores each of these elements so earnestly that it gives the film heart and resonance along the way.

What is the biggest selling point of the film? It is funny! There is plenty of humor to go around in this two-hour flick as it mixes sharp dialogue and banter with uncomfortable situational humor. Sprinkle in some gross out humor and lower brow beats and you have quite a variety of laughs. The dialogue in the film is so sharp and impactful. A big piece of that is just how skilled the performers are with plenty of improv comedy going on here. The running gags from Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd are quite impressive (even if the structure for them has aged poorly). There are some hilarious stories from some of characters (especially from Jane Lynch who is an absolute treasure). The physical humor of unwanted or unresponsive erections (certainly relatable), bike accidents, and projectile vomiting gives the films some variety as well. There are so many laughs throughout the film that you can fill out a whole essay with them. Even the wild and creative finale of the film just delivers such a joyous and hilarious ending to this experience.

But what really brings this whole experience to life? This cast is endlessly talented. Carell is an absolute star in this role. This breakout performance showed an emotional depth and heart that Carell could bring to more dramatic roles and then his comedic chops are just off the charts. He delivers the one-liners, voice work, physicality, and situational humor that is just excellent. Catherine Keener is the heart and soul of the film and her chemistry with Carell is palpable. She also gets her moments to show a little humor as well. Rudd, Rogen, and Romany Malco are the three biggest supporting characters, and they all get their chance to shine with their specific type of humor that gives the film variety and texture. But there are so many players who steal scenes from Lynch to Elizabeth Banks to Leslie Mann to Gerry Bednob to Kat Denning. There are even a few minor turns from future big names like Jonah Hill, Mindy Kaling, and Mo Collins. This is one of the best comedic ensembles of the 21^st century.

Do you love the 00s era of comedy? Then this is a must watch. Apatow helped define an era of comedy and this just might be his magnum opus. Carell had his real coming out party (along with The Office). This is one of the funniest films of the 00s and there is plenty of heart too. “Let the Sunshine In” and enjoy the ride!

The 40-Year-Old Virgin is streaming on Hulu.