Connect with us

The 40 Year-Old Virgin: A Retrospective

Published

on

January 17, 2005: Production begins on Judd Apatow’s directorial debut The 40 Year-Old Virgin.

February 14, 2005: Youtube launches.

July, 2005: Myspace is purchased by News Corporation for $580million. Within the year the site will hit its peak with over 75million subscribers.

August 19, 2005: The 40 Year-Old Virgin is released in North America. It opens at No. 1 grossing over $21 million in its first weekend. It stayed at No. 1 the following weekend, grossing an additional $16 million. The film received near unanimous critical acclaim, resurrecting the thought-dead R-rated comedy and skyrocketing the careers of star Steve Carrell and filmmaker Judd Apatow.

July 15, 2006: Twitter is launched.

September 26, 2006: Facebook is made available to all persons over the age of 13.

The 40 Year-Old Virgin is now a 12 year-old film, known and beloved by almost anyone who encounters it. We root for Andy from minute 1 as he finds love and friendship on his way to losing his virginity. In this social media/ PC comedy era, a film with an almost entirely white cast full of very raunchy, very NON-PC humor, still delights and charms with it’s camaraderie and kind love story, all building to an ending that literally sends you off singing and dancing.

The film never plays it safe. It’s opening gag is a middle aged man walking around with a troublesome morning erection. The scene immediately following has our lead character Andy conversing with a co-worker who has recently been to Tijuana, Mexico where he watched a woman have sex with a horse. “You know how I know you’re gay?” Paul Rudd asks (future mega-star) Seth Rogen over a friendly game of Mortal Kombat. “You have a rainbow bumper-sticker that says I love it when I have balls in my face.” Every scene of 40 Year-Old Virgin is full of quotable 1-liners (largely improvised on the spot) and memorable set pieces such as the drunken drive home which crescendos with Leslie Mann (Apatow’s wife) wrecking her car and vomiting on Steve Carrel right before offering to have sex with him.

Watching the film today, you think to yourself, “How did this ever get made?!” With a mostly unknown cast, a “virgin” director and a script so full of racey and risqué material, it’s hard to believe the film was such a big hit – a game changing classic still beloved today. How? How did this film make it to the screens? Some might argue it’s the film’s heart. For every boner and racial slur, there’s a kind caring sentiment. “You know, for so long I thought there was something wrong with me because it had never happened, but I realize now it was just because I was waiting for you,” Carrel laments after crashing through two-sides of a billboard on his bike. Some argue it’s the simple, relatable premise. Who doesn’t wanna lose their virginity?! A good argument is the breakthrough style of the film. What was essentially a typical rom-com with a sitcom premise, the film was heavily improvised with a loose narrative form that also took the time to fully flesh out its characters in believable and not always pretty ways.

 

All of these are valid reasons, but consider this: The 40 Year-Old Virgin was the last major studio comedy before the boom of social media. This film was a beacon in the last stretch of the TV and print era of marketing and promotion. If you wanted to talk about this film with your friends you either had to do it in person or through some kind of personal blog. You didn’t have a cellphone that you could log onto Twitter with during the end credits to sum up your immediate reaction in 140 characters or less. There was no Facebook post to make where your friends could click like to validate your reaction and experience. No, this film was blessed with being in that sweet-spot – the last hurrah of personal/private interpretation.

The film itself being made before the technological boom helped it as well. Phones are almost never used in the film. For God’s sake, Andy meets his love interest in the film as she buys a VCR! The drunk driving scene with Leslie Mann would be solved today with an Uber. Andy and his friends actually interact with each other. They go out into the real world to search for love. Even Andy’s love interest Trish – who makes a living off of eBay – still has a physical store for people to come through and make their purchases. “Life isn’t about sex.” Andy’s co-worker Mooj tells him. “It’s about love. It’s about connection!” The line resinates for our lead, but it also speaks to the entire message and desire of the film itself: true connection with another person.

12 years later, and the 40 Year-Old Virgin is still a beautiful and hilarious experience. A film released at a time much freer of judgement. A film made at a time where you had to interact with the people you encounter. The 40 Year-Old Virgin is not self conscious, not so self aware like the films of today. The paranoia of being in the public eye 24/7 with cellphones and social media is not present, therefore the characters are aloud to make mistakes. The film is a comedy of errors. Errors made in a search for connection to the people in your life. Couple all of that with the talent in front of and behind the camera, and you’ve got a film of low risk for the studio making great returns for more than a decade after its release. A classic. A game changer. And all of that from a typical rom-com with a sitcom premise. Today, everyone is a critic with a voice that can reach millions. The 40 Year-Old Virgin begs to ask, were films better when they were less conscious of judgement?

Written by: Joe Black

Continue Reading

Movie

Review of “Good Bad Ugly”

Published

on

Director: Adhik Ravichandran 

Starring: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Das, Trisha, Simran

Genre: Action / Crime Drama

Rating: 4.5/5


“Good Bad Ugly” centers on Red Dragon (Ajith Kumar), a notorious gangster who chooses to surrender himself in the hopes of turning over a new leaf and reuniting with his estranged son. However, when unforeseen threats emerge, Red Dragon is forced to step back into the dangerous underworld to protect the only family he has left.

“Good Bad Ugly” plays to the strengths of Ajith Kumar, delivering a fan-pleasing portrayal of both his vintage villainy and his matured emotional depth. Ajith’s powerful screen presence, coupled with his iconic voice, shines against Arjun Das’s brooding and intense new-age antagonist, creating an electric old-school versus new-school dynamic. The nostalgic return of Simran is a clever nod to longtime fans, bringing heart and familiarity. Trisha brings a strong, grounded performance as the moral compass in Red Dragon’s life, helping move the emotional threads of the story. The film smartly balances action, comedy, and sentimental fan-service moments.

While the film delivers on fan expectations, its narrative could have benefited from tighter pacing and deeper character development for its supporting cast. Some plot conveniences and an overreliance on nostalgia may limit broader audience appeal beyond the fanbase. Certain dramatic beats felt rushed, leaving little time for emotional resonance to fully land.

The ambition to blend high-octane action with heavy emotional stakes sometimes leads to tonal inconsistencies. At moments, the shift from gritty underworld drama to lighter fan moments feels abrupt. Additionally, though Ajith Kumar’s effort to showcase his dancing skills is commendable and welcomed by fans, it slightly disrupts the otherwise darker tone the film establishes.

“Good Bad Ugly” is a tribute to Ajith Kumar’s enduring legacy, offering vintage thrills while teasing new dimensions to his craft. It’s a solid entertainer that successfully taps into fan nostalgia while hinting at an exciting evolution for AK. While not without its flaws, the film’s heart, energy, and performances make it a must-watch for fans and a compelling action-drama for broader audiences.

Continue Reading

Streaming

Presence: A Horror Movie For People That Don’t Like Horror Movies

Published

on

In these uncertain times, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned horror movie. Unfortunately, Presence is not an old-fashioned horror movie. Yet, as I discovered, this is a good thing!

When I heard about the premise of this movie, I was intrigued. The stylishly subtle trailer was, appropriately, haunting.  And was that Lucy Liu? A haunted house movie from the perspective of the ghost? As a seasoned horror movie buff, I was all in!

Like the majority of people I missed the films brief theatrical release. Luckily I was able to catch it on streaming. Visually the film is easy to enjoy from your own home, as it’s rather cosy looking. I never thought I’d be describing a horror movie as ‘cosy’ looking but it’s true! This is not a James Wan type creepy, dusty, decrepit house harbouring a haunting. No, this is a 100 year old jewel toned, oak finished colonial style home. 

Despite this the story follows the beats we are all familiar with: troubled family of four move into a new house. The big deviation from the trope is we, the audience, are seeing events unfold from the POV of the ghost or presence. 

Director Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven) chose to film the entire piece using a small (14mm) hand-held digital camera. Soderbergh himself acted as the ‘presence’ following the actors around. From the audiences perspective it is like watching the family through a barrier or pane of glass. Cleverly, windows and mirrors are hugely prominent and integral throughout.

The presence mainly follows and tries to interact with the daughter of the family, Chloe (Callina Liang), who has recently suffered the trauma of her best friend dying suddenly. Through Soderbergh’s experimental filming, we feel the dysphoria and frustration the ‘ghost’ is feeling at trying to affect the world around it, particularly during the anxiety-inducing final scene!

However, in what could be yet another mismarketing of a film, the trailer promised to be the ‘scariest movie you will see this year’ and ‘terrifying’; instead, they delivered this subversive, character-driven, family drama. If you are expecting jump scares and dramatic music stings, this is not your movie. I could understand if someone was disappointed that the only seemingly scary thing is the mother’s and son’s relationship, right up until the gut-punch of the final scene. 

Presence is definitely a slow burn, tension building until the final scene, and the unveiling of the ‘presence’ giving us a new understanding of the whole story. The ending is disturbing and stays with you as you re-analyse earlier scenes. 

My one complaint is that the character Ryan (West Mulholland) with his Chesney Hawkes hair, perhaps needed more subtlety. The rest of the cast was completely solid and believable as a family with so many unspoken issues. 

I wouldn’t recommend this film for everybody but maybe be as so bold to say it’s a horror movie for people that don’t like horror movies. It’s well-lit and cerebral with realistically flawed characters.

Presence is available to stream.

Three and a half stars.

Continue Reading

Streaming

Anime Review: Fog Hill of the Five Elements (Wu Shan Wu Xing)

Published

on

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Historical
Runtime: Each episode runs approximately 20-30 minutes
Director: Lin Hun (also the Creator)
Studio: Samsara Animation Studio
Main Voice Actors (Chinese Cast):Liu Zhi Shi as Wen Ren Yu Xuan Zhou Qi as Shen Nong Fang Yuan as Xuan


Overview

Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a breathtaking Chinese anime (donghua) that merges traditional Chinese ink-painting aesthetics with high-intensity martial arts action. Created and directed by Lin Hun, this series delivers a spellbinding visual experience that rivals, and in many ways surpasses, mainstream Japanese anime. Produced by Samsara Animation Studio, the anime is a labor of love, known for its hand-drawn animation and meticulous detail.

Set in a mythological world where elemental beasts roam free, the series follows the Five Elemental Envoys tasked with protecting humanity. The story focuses on Wen Ren Yu Xuan, the Fire Envoy, whose actions set off a chain of events threatening the delicate balance between humans and beasts. The tale is steeped in Chinese folklore and myth, weaving a complex narrative of duty, power, and sacrifice.

Without question, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is one of the most visually stunning animated series in recent memory. The blend of traditional Chinese ink wash painting with modern dynamic action scenes is masterful. Every frame looks like a moving scroll painting, with fluid character movements and kinetic fight choreography that puts many mainstream series to shame.

The characters are deeply tied to traditional archetypes found in Chinese legends but are fleshed out with emotional depth and conflict. Voice acting by Liu Zhi Shi, Zhou Qi, and Fang Yuan brings authenticity and gravitas to their respective roles. The dialogue is steeped in poetic language, enhancing the mythic feel of the story.

The soundtrack complements the epic visuals with traditional Chinese instrumentation mixed with modern elements. The sound design heightens the impact of every battle and emotional moment.


Rating: 9/10

Fog Hill of the Five Elements earns a 9 out of 10 for its groundbreaking animation style, deep mythological storytelling, and heart-pounding action. The only downside is its limited number of episodes and slow release schedule, which leaves fans craving more.


Pros

  • Unparalleled hand-drawn animation
  • Unique art direction inspired by traditional Chinese painting
  • Rich mythological lore
  • Epic fight choreography

Cons

  • Sparse episode release
  • Story pacing can be uneven at times

Final Verdict 9/10

If you’re an anime enthusiast or a fan of animation artistry, Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a must-watch. Its fusion of stunning visuals, martial arts action, and mythological storytelling makes it one of the standout titles in modern animation. Whether you’re into Japanese anime or Chinese donghua, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2012 - 2025 That's My Entertainment All Rights Reserved May not be used without permission