This is 40

Starring: Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd
Star rating: ***

There seems to be glut of films around at the moment which talk about what life is really like in the real world, away from the Hollywood film reel. As i have got addicted to US smash hit TV show 'Girls', this film is an extension of the real life romance angle. The director Judd Apatow is well known for films like 'Knocked Up' and i have always had a soft spot for them and their off-beat humour.

I think this film is intended to be a sequel to 2007's 'Knocked Up' where Alison (Katherine Heigl) got pregnant by stoner (Seth Rogen) after a one night stand. This film does not mention them though and instead focuses on Alison's sister Debbie (Leslie Mann) and her husband Pete (Paul Rudd). The couple live in the suburbs with their two kids, Sadie and Charlotte. Debbie runs a vintage clothes shop and Pete, a failing record label. They are both approaching their 40th birthday and they are not sure where they are headed in their lives and are overrun by their invasive kids.

To be honest, i was not sure what to expect with this film but i really enjoyed every moment. Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd are well cast as the couple who really have it all but are not satisfied with it any more. The couple's characters have not developed since 'Knocked Up' but that is what we love about them. Yes, Debbie is shrill and always nagging but that is the way many women feel as they get older. Paul is like the big kid who has not grown up but we all know men like this. Do not watch this movie if you are expecting massive revelations but it is an easy watch and that is what we need in the post festive low.