Crude comedy 'Knocked Up' is touching, hilarious
CRITIC'S CORNER By DNA Smith

"Knocked Up" stars Seth Rogen as Ben Stone and Katherine Heigl is Alison Scott, and may be the sleeper hit of the summer.

"Knocked Up" Running time: 129 minutes MPAA rating: R

I am a huge fan of writer/director Judd Apatow. I loved "Freaks and Geeks," and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" was the funniest movie of 2005. And his latest effort, "Knocked Up," is poised to be the sleeper hit of the summer.

In the raucously funny romantic comedy for guys, Apatow does what he does best: Make us laugh by creating characters who are human; people who are both ugly and vulgar while (often in the same moment) noble and beautiful.

"Knocked Up" stars Seth Rogen as Ben Stone, a young dude who spends most of his time taking swats off a bong and hanging with his buds. Katherine Heigl is Alison Scott, a young, pretty woman who lives with her sister and brother-in-law and who was recently promoted at her job at the E! network.

Ben and Alison meet at a local club one night. One drink leads to another, and pretty soon they're back at her place. Flash-forward three months and Alison discovers she's pregnant with Ben's child. She decides to keep the baby and tells Ben about it, thus setting into motion a hilarious and sometimes touching series of events as these two extremely different people try their best to Do The Right Thing.

The supporting cast of Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd as Alison's sister and brother-inlaw also shine in this film. Mann and Rudd do an amazing job. They are just as funny and touching as the leads, and Apatow gives them the screen time needed to become real characters, and not simply foils for Rogen and Heigl.

If you're looking to avoid the bloated, over-hyped and disappointing summer blockbusters, then I heartily recommend "Knocked Up." It's not just a great date movie; it's simply great.

GRADE: A-

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.