Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, mainstream comedies were dominated by just one man: Judd Apatow. As a writer, director, and/or producer, Apatow was behind many of the biggest hits of the era, including classics such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Superbad, Bridesmaids, The Big Sick, and — as we’ve previously discussed — The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
Now Kai Yaniz returns to discuss 2007’s Knocked Up and its “sort-of sequel,” 2012’s This Is 40. Apatow wrote and directed both movies, which have a lot to say about parenthood, relationships, and how time affects them. We’ll discuss whether these movies still hold up, weigh in on Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd’s performances, and reveal our personal connection to them.