Movie: The 40-Year-Old Virgin (COM, R)

I was a little nervous about watching The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Some people from my church walked out because of its crassness, but I stayed through the (admittedly rough) first twenty minutes and was very glad I did.

When his friends find out Andy (Steve Carell) is still a virgin, they make it their mission to get him deflowered ASAP. In the process, there is some bad language and even worse advice. Andy half-heartedly goes along with his friends' ridiculous and extremely hilarious setups, including chest waxing, bar pickups, and speed dating. Andy also meets Trish (Catherine Keener), a single mom. Terrified of telling Trish his Big Secret, Andy is thrilled when she wants to postpone sex until they have a real relationship.

While the purpose of the movie is obviously to get Andy laid, his relationship with Trish is strengthened by their decision to abstain. Beneath the surface of this oversexed comedy is the idea that sex should be about more than a physical act; relationship is what makes sex meaningful and special.

My church friends would have been surprised that this film actually upheld their core values. Despite its occasional excesses, I loved this film. Grade: A