Apatovian Cuddly Raunch

Bob Mondello analyzes Judd Apatow's success, using the terms 'Apatovian' and 'Cuddly Raunch' to describe Apatow's work. Apatovian? The guy has a recognizable brand, to be sure, and I like the 'cuddly raunch' bit, but Apatovian sounds like an answer to a film school test question. I wouldn't go quite that far. Okay, okay...let's see -- Knocked Up is one of the most Apatovian movies I've ever seen. Told you -- it just doesn't work. It's too forced, just sits there. I vote for 'Juddesque'. That has a natural ring to it. I can live with Juddesque. Watch: Superbad is way more Juddesque than Talladega Nights could ever be. See, works. Juddesque. Be the first in your office to use it in conversation.

The Ten

I'm not sure why but I really like 'The Ten'. Movie is ten vignettes each somehow related to the Ten Commandments (does that get capitalized?). Trailer looks very good, but it's not the kind of thing that usually has wide appeal (one can hope though).

Terry Gross talks with Paul Rudd, who introduces each story and stars in one of them. Rudd is yet another actor who was involved with 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' and (or) 'Knocked Up'. He talks about how he got Judd Apatow's email address, how old he was when his horrendous acne finally cleared up, why they sang Afternoon Delight in 'Anchorman', and how old he was when he finally figured out what the song Afternoon Delight is really about.

Terry Gross' interviews are the best.

Another Knocked Up Moment

Here's a clip from 'Knocked Up' I haven't seen anywhere else. Scroll down a bit, click 'You need to train him'. Funny with insight.

Knocked Up

Judd Apatow is enjoying a lot of good press for 'Knocked Up'. Even the buttoned-down A.O. Scott likes it -- well, really likes it. His write-up fairly glows (but, if you want to see what he really thinks watch the video 'Movie Minutes' about halfway down the page).

Also nestled in the review is audio of a 15 year old Judd Apatow interviewing Jerry Seinfeld for his high school radio show, a video Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow made for NYT Magazine, and a slide show of Apatow's work (including a promo shot of him [in high school] with Harold Ramis).