This is definitely not 40: "This is 40" (2012) Review

So Apatow is on the scene again trying to tell everyone what life is like being 40 years old and after watching "This is 40"(2012) I would have to completely disagree with his whole perspective. I'm not a massive fan of his films anyway but thought 'hey, I'll give this one a chance, it might actually be funny' but ooooh I was so wrong. Then again what did I expect form a director whos filmography includes some of my least favourite films like "Pineapple express"(2008) and "Funny People" (2009)- I know these are films that people describe as brilliant comedies but they are just not for me, sorry. However Apatows filmography is so diverse that some of his films I quite enjoyed like "Bridesmaids" (2011) and "Knocked up" (2007). In my opinion "This is 40" completely missed the boat and overall the film drew out various emotions but mainly: disappointment, anger and the total disbelief that the film encompasses what it actually means to be 40.

The first annoying thing about this film: talk about keeping it in the bloody family! Apatow has cast his wife, Leslie Mann, and their two biological children in "This is 40" replacing himself (the father figure) with Paul Rudd- not quite sure what he is implying in doing so. Rudd really adds the only comedy in the film. Leslie Manns acting is fairly minimal, considering she is so upset about hitting 40. The eldest daughter is given random scenes throughout the film, that do not follow any continuous editing and seem quite out of place but yet all illustrating that she is going through a 'teenage crisis' and the youngest daughter just plays herself really, prancing around annoying everyone else.

"Knocked up" (2007) was praised for it's ability to convey real life issues focusing on the modern day relationship and single parenthood. The concept behind "This is 40" is very relative to modern life as most people think they are 'passed it' by age 30. Society dictates they should have already settled down, bought a house, maybe had/ having kids and in a well paid job- however this is no longer the reality and people are marrying later (if at all), and thus hitting 40 should not seem that old- I mean the retirement age has increased to 75! (In England). Unfortunately Apatow does not execute this concept well at all.

One of the most frustrating things about this film is that it is like a two hour long Apple product advert- the kids watch endless hours of 'Lost' on ipads, iphones, iMacs and other ishit products. Yet the viewer is supposed to believe that the family are 'poor' as they are having money problems. Seriously, just stop buying Apple! Idiots! Also they somehow can still can afford to pay an accountant (maybe its just my family but what normal person can afford to hire there own permanent personal accountant and still try and convince an audience that they are 'poor'?) In addition the father is a record label owner and the mother owns a shop supposedly giving them this modern 'bohemian' appeal and conveying them as down to earth people- Just, please, no, stop it.

There is nothing much else to add about this film. The story and the narrative flow like a bunch of shots shoddingly held together with moments of absolute disbelief in the characters and their lifestyle. This is definitely not 40 at all.

Verdict: Lousy.