Daniel Cann

Apatow regular Seth Rogen plays Ben, an amiable slacker and stoner that lives in a rented house with his four roommates. On a night out he meets career girl and E news television presenter, Alison (Katherine Heigl) and her sister Debbie (Leslie Mann) who are celebrating Alison’s recent job promotion. After spending a drunken night together Alison and Ben go their separate ways until eight weeks later Alison discovers that she is pregnant and stoner Ben is the father!

What follows is an entertaining and hilarious situation comedy where two people who were clearly not intending to have a child together face the consequences of one night. What could have been dealt with clumsily is actually delivered (pardon the pun) in a subtle, heartfelt assured way. Once Alison decides to go through with the pregnancy Ben steps up to the plate and agrees to support her. We see over the course of the film their burgeoning love for each other grow as they argue, bicker, laugh and cry as their friends and families become intertwined offering support and advice.

There are some excellent characters in this film; notably Ben’s friends played by Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Jason Segal and Martin Starr who are all likeable and believable. The banter and camaraderie is convincing. The witty dialogue is delivered fast and with confidence. Paul Rudd as Pete, Debbie’s husband, also puts in a good turn as a man in the middle of a marriage crisis.

There are subplots regarding responsibility, growing older and fidelity. These are effortlessly interwoven into the story without dragging it down or affecting the overall tone or pace. It is all part of the couple’s relationship and the issues they are to face together. Rogen is excellently understated as the likeable and laid-back Ben. Heigl too totally convinces as the career girl who is going through a huge change in her life.

This film will resonate with a lot of people and I found myself being totally drawn into the unfolding drama. As both go on a roller-coaster journey together we feel we are with them on the same ride. There is plenty of comedy as they wrestle with the issue of freedom versus responsibility. Fortunately it avoids being overly sentimental or trivialising the matter. Instead there is plenty of angst and friction, making it all believable. It is great to see Ben and Alison develop as events unfold. This film is sensitive, sincere and hilarious. You care about what happens, a rare thing for a comedy that is both touching and heart-warming. Apatow and team have managed to produce another winning comedy!

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