The film is shot in Los Angeles, California. Similar to Knocked Up, the films appears bright and shiny. As you would expect from the genre, the film is dominated with mid-shots and some establishing shots. In the middle of the narrative, we see a montage of slow motion, random shots mashed together which definitely breaks up the narrative sequences. Director Judd Apatow, has done similar sequences in previous films such as Bridesmaids and Knocked Up, which makes the film recognisable when it has the stylistics of a certain director or editor.
The soundtrack has an unexpected mixture. Including songs from Graham Parker, Fiona Apple and Paul McCartney.
Both leading actors have proved they work well together in the 2007 prequel. I find that Paul Rudd who plays Pete, is similar in many films I'm not sure if audiences will be bored of this familiar character. There were times that I felt the character was becoming tedious but that may have been due to the prolonged runtime. Several parts of the film, Rudd popped from the boring plot line but I felt that I wanted more from him.
Leslie Mann who plays Deb, jumps right back into the role of Deb, as if Knocked Up was just yesterday. If you thought she was whiny in that film, think of the majority of a storyline following that character. It does begin to grate on you. Nonetheless, both characters prove to be extremely relatable to audiences, both individually and as a relationship.
The child characters; Sadie and Charlotte, played by Maude Apatow and Iris Apatow are actually the children of Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann. Not only that, they are the children who played the characters in the prequel which is always a bonus. This only helps their onscreen performance. They portray a very realistic relationship as sisters.
Some of favourite bits throughout the film included:
Parents, Deb and Pete go on a trip together. I mean that in every sense of the word. This leads to a variety of random, carefree acts on impulse. It's a nice break up between scenes.
Another favourite part of the film was a skit in the head teachers office. Melissa McCarthy plays the crazy mother of Joseph, a child who is somewhat cyber bullying Sadie. I absolutely love it when Melissa McCarthy plays crazy, off-the-wall characters and this is no exception. The scene had me laughing out loud.
My final favourite bit in the film is split between two different but very similar sections of the film. Deb reprimands Joseph for bullying her daughter. I say reprimand, I mean completely brings him to his knees. We don't often see adults really go at children in film and media and I found it hilarious. Equally funny, Pete argues with Melissa McCarthy's character, Catherine. They begin bickering about the clash between Deb and Joseph. Seeing Pete completely let loose on one of 'those' mothers is pleasurable to watch even as a non-parent. It's something every parent has wanted to do at some point in their children's childhood, but because of social norms, simply can't.
What stood out to me was the runtime of the film (134 mins). Far too long for the storyline.
The age rating is 15. As the film is a middle of the road film, not too risqué but not too family, it's definitely suited.
It's one of those films I would probably rent over buying. It's a film that you won't be watching frequently.
Overall an average film of the comedy genre. A little overrun. If you're a Knocked Up fan you might like this sequel.
I'd give this film a 2.5/5 rating. Boring at times with pops of American humour added.
The film is released on DVD 24th June 2013 in the UK. iTunes have an early release of the film which is available to buy now.
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