“This is Forty,” a film staring Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann, was shown on March 14 in the Special Events Center. The film received mediocre reviews by critics but was met with an endless stream of laughter from the audience.
The initial scene was very graphic, an awkward nude scene where the main characters, Debbie (Leslie Mann) and Pete (Paul Rudd), are engaging in sexual activity in a small shower.
Emily Benson, a sophomore pre-occupational therapy major, said, “It started out with the dirtiest scene in the movie.”
Although the scene was explicit, the comedic timing was impeccable, switching from a serious intimate moment to an argument about age and the use of male enhancement medication. This shift, in displaying a serious moment to adding in bits of hilarity, set the tone for the rest of the movie.
Kara Stefani, a sophomore psychology major, said, “I thought it was hilarious. I was so into it the whole time.”
The characters live in a beautiful large house in California, have two cute little girls and are aging well. However, it is the subject matter, not the visual imagery, which drives the plot. They have discussions about health, family, finance and relationships in general. While things may seem perfect, everyday is a struggle on how to maintain and improve their lives.
Debbie is a type-A perfectionist who often has unrealistic expectations. She puts the family on many strict diets, enforces exercise for herself and her husband and keeps everyone in check. This creates for a lot of friction between herself, her husband, her children and other family members.
Pete is the typical American man; he loves rock music, junk food and feels the need for freedom and expression. He is always attempting to make himself comfortable, but fails miserably due, in part, to his wife’s expectations.
There are many serious conflicts expressed by these two characters. However, the manner in which they handle the situations they put themselves in is what is worth watching. They are honest making this film an engaging and rewarding experience.
