This Is 40 (2012)

 Seeking a light, uplifting comedy, I agreed to see This Is 40, although I wasn't thrilled with the title but felt that maybe the movie would be one that I would enjoy.  The movie starts Paul Rudd as Pete, who after many years of marriage is the only male figure in his household which includes his wife Debbie, played by Leslie Mann and two young daughters, played (Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow).  Pete struggles at work to keep his record label afloat.  Pete and Debbie are both turning 40. Instead of celebrating, they're mired in a mid-life crisis with unruly kids, debt and they are definitely not happy.  Besides the fact that. Pete's record label is failing and Debbie is unable to come to terms with her aging body, Pete's 40th birthday party arrives and they are both going to have to rely on family, friends, employees, fitness trainers, aging rockers and ultimately each other to come to terms with life at age 40 and to survive.  Although there was a lot of honesty in the movie and the issues were real, very realistic, I was not completely involved with the characters and think that may be because i haven't seen 40 for almost that many years.  A fun movie about serious issues.

"This Is 40" (2012), directed by Judd Apatow, offers a candid and often hilarious glimpse into the trials and tribulations of reaching middle age. A spin-off of Apatow's earlier film "Knocked Up," the movie focuses on the lives of Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann), a married couple grappling with their impending 40th birthdays and the challenges that come with them.

Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann deliver standout performances, embodying the weariness and wonder of a couple navigating the complexities of parenthood, career pressures, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Their chemistry is palpable, bringing both humor and authenticity to their roles. The film's strength lies in its ability to balance comedic elements with real-life struggles, capturing the essence of what it means to be on the cusp of middle age.

The film's script, while packed with sharp, witty dialogue and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, sometimes struggles with pacing and an overabundance of subplots. Apatow’s penchant for extended improvisation leads to some scenes feeling meandering and unfocused. However, these moments often provide genuine, if unpolished, insight into the characters' lives.

"This Is 40" excels in its portrayal of relatable, everyday issues. The film tackles topics such as marital discord, financial woes, and the pressures of parenting with a mix of humor and earnestness. While not every joke lands and some scenes drag on, the movie’s heart is in the right place, and its attempts to depict the messy reality of adulthood make it endearing.

Overall, "This Is 40" is a humorous, if sometimes uneven, exploration of mid-life challenges. It may not reach the heights of Apatow’s best works, but its authentic depiction of the struggles and triumphs of a couple approaching 40 makes it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate a blend of comedy and introspection.