Expectations of a 40-yr old virgin - a movie review

Last night I was in a downright crooked mood - I just didn't want to deal with anything. So, I took myself to the movie store and rented "The 40-yr Old Virgin". I was expecting a funny movie, but what I wasn't expecting was a movie centred around a heart of gold.

By no means am I suggesting to you folks out there that you have to agree with my general review of this movie, and I will state that I do have biases towards wanting to wait for the right person before having sex. I was really impressed with this movie, though. It may have had a too much swearing, and may have had some uneccesarily graphic scenes, but I did feel that it did have some exceptionally redeeming qualities.

For those of you who know the premise, the movie centres around Andy (Steve Carell) who is coasting by life as a loner, and as a virgin. He is quite happy to deal with his trouble himself, but things get thrown off course when three of his co-workers find out about his "plight" and seek to remedy this situation. Andy migrates through a few series of unfortunate blunders, but eventually finds himself in a very solid and loving relationship. As the movie progresses, Andy sees the complications that arise from not being honest, and from trying to force himself to do things that go against his character. In the end, everything works out just find, with a happy ending that is a little tongue-in-cheek without being too cliché or cheesy. You're left feeling satisfied - just as Andy finally is!

Steve Carell, the star and writer, portrays Andy is such a wonderful way. He is not fully a geek, but he is not fully suave either. He's believable, and well-rounded. This is why the movie seems all the more charming. You like the character of Andy, and he's genuine, so listen to his story makes it all the easier, and you never once a left feeling like the character is trying to heavy-handedly beat you into his point of view.

From a redemptive point of view, this movie has a lot of good messages. Corell's character shows that it is possible to be a fully functional man and still be waiting for the right relationship because sex should be special (in fact, Andy does get married before he gets laid for the first time!) The movie also makes a point to saying that porn is not all it's cracked up to be for men - it can be degrading and can lead to unecessary objectification of women. Also, there are some very brave views on love and relationships, showing it's not going to be easy and you have to work at it.

The movie isn't perfect though, you will have to sift through some blatant swearing and some scenes, although funny at times, that condone some not-so-admirable behaviour, but overall, it's a quality flick in my opinion.

Check it out yourself.