Knocked Up - A-

In theaters. R-Rated, 129 minutes.

As a person that doesn't laugh out loud, I know I am watching a comedy I like when it happens 15 times. Knocked Up is a film that has more than 100 F-words, but has more heart and morality than any Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. Writer/Director Judd Apatow (40 yr Old Virgin and Freaks/Geeks) understands the plight of the non-alpha male in the world today, and has made a movie that examines one man's jarring entry into adulthood (via the birth of his first child) from the male perspective.

Ben (Seth Rogen - former Ali G writer and actor in 40 year old virgin) is a post-collegiate guy that lives in relative squalor with his crew, 4 other slackers with a hackneyed plan to launch a website detailing nudity in movies. At a club one night, he lucks out and lands a one night stand with the beautiful and career-oriented Alison. Due to a pre-coital misunderstanding, he proceeds without protection, and she gets pregnant.

The story itself is predictable, even formulaic. Ben does the right thing and tries to make it work, and his goofy friends and pot-habit get in the way while she stresses about the pregnancy. In the end he sacks up, gets a job and an apartment and even reads "What to Expect When You're Expecting." There are multiple running gags that produce belly laughs: a bet on a haircut, pink-eye, pot, and hilariously crude guy jokes.

Paul Rudd and Aimee Mann (Apatow's real life wife) play Alison's sister and brother-in-law, and theirs is a picture of the modern marriage: no time, kid-centric, and hard work. Their scenes are funny/true for anyone married 5+ years. Darrell from the Office has a scene stealing stint as a bouncer at a club, and Steve Carrell and BJ Novak from the Office make an appearance as well.

Irreverent, crude, and touching aren't usually adjectives that can describe the same movie, but for this one, they're a perfect fit. Don't miss this one, and watch out for the 'crowning' scene.