Summary
- Debbie and Pete manage their 40th birthdays in different ways.
- Marriage struggles between Debbie and Pete continue.
- Financial issues, careers, and family dynamics are central themes.
This Is 40 takes place five years after Knocked Up and checks back in with the comedy's beloved group of characters. Knocked Up is a 2007 comedy that saw much success and acclaim from critics and audiences and is considered Judd Apatow's best movie. The movie stars Seth Rogen as Ben and Katherine Heigl as Allison, two individuals whose paths are forever intertwined after a one-night stand. Years later, Apatow followed up with an unofficial sequel, This Is 40, that focuses on the relationship between Debbie (Leslie Mann) and Pete (Paul Rudd).
Both Apatow films include memorable one-liners and share similar depictions of relationships, familial conflicts, and financial stress. Five years later, audiences find that Debbie and Pete have hit important milestones, such as turning 40, but are managing through many of the same martial issues established in Knocked Up. This Is 40 isn't as highly favored as its predecessor, but it brings back the beloved fictional family and is still a must-watch in Apatow's filmography.
Every Judd Apatow Movie, Ranked By Rewatchability
Some of Judd Apatow's movies, like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, hold up to more viewings than others, like the recently released COVID farce The Bubble.
10 Debbie And Pete Turn 40
They Each Handle The Milestone Differently
The topic of age was mentioned a few times in Knocked Up, particularly when Debbie would compare herself to her sister, Alison. When the two sisters would go to the club, Debbie was often self-conscious about her age compared to those around her. One time, she was denied immediate entry because the bouncer felt her older age ruined the ambiance of the club.
Pete doesn't have an issue with this milestone and is happily ready to celebrate with his family and friends.
As This Is 40's title suggests, both Debbie and Pete are now 40. Pete doesn't have an issue with this milestone and is happily ready to celebrate with his family and friends. On the other hand, Debbie spends the majority of the movie lying about her age and feeling insecure about her attractiveness due to her age. Debbie is reassured by others of her worth, but she still feels conflicted about the significance of her birthday. When out at a club, Debbie is sought after by an attractive man and though she shuts down his flirting, she's flattered and it's a much-appreciated boost to her confidence.
9 Debbie And Pete's Marriage Struggles
Conflict Is Still Present In Their Relationship
In Knocked Up and This Is 40, Debbie and Pete's relationship is realistic and favored by audiences because of this. Leaning into its comedy genre, each movie portrays the ups and downs of married life in a relatable way for audiences. Knocked Up showed the couple arguing over small things, and Debbie suspected Pete was cheating at some point.
This Is 40 sees conflict linger in the couple's relationship. Debbie wants to make some life changes to improve her family's way of living and Pete is struggling to abide by changes involving healthier eating habits and cutting off loans to family members. Knocked Up's Pete was distant from Debbie a lot of the time and the issue improves very little in This Is 40. During an argument, the couple attempts to apply patterns of speech learned in couple's therapy, but the calmness only lasts for so long before they begin yelling at one another.
8 Debbie's Pregnant With Her Third Child
The Pregnancy Was Unexpected
Mirroring her sister's incident in Knocked Up, Debbie finds herself in an unplanned pregnancy. Following Alison's delivery, Debbie casually tells Pete that they're going to have another baby. Debbie was caught up in the joy of her sister having a baby and likely wasn't saying it with certainty, but it's what ended up happening for the couple in This Is 40, though it does take a backseat to the other issues the couple sorts out in their marriage.
Once she's informed of her unplanned pregnancy, Debbie's initial reaction is panic, but as the minutes pass, she seems to be a bit more content with the circumstances. Unfortunately, with the ongoing conflict in her and Pete's relationship, Debbie is unable to share the news with him right away. Pete only discovers Debbie is pregnant when the news is unintentionally blurted out at his birthday party.
7 The Girls Are Older
Sadie Is 13 And Charlotte Is 8
In addition to being known for recasting a handful of the same actors across multiple projects, Judd Apatow has also cast his daughters, Maude and Iris Apatow in his work. Maude and Iris both star in Knocked Up and This Is 40 as Debbie and Pete's daughters, Sadie and Charlotte. Five years have passed since the first film and the girl's older age introduces a sweet and familiar sibling dynamic.
Charlotte constantly asks to play with Sadie or to watch Lost with her, but every time she asks, Sadie's teenage annoyance only grows.
As a 13-year-old, Sadie enjoys spending her time on social media and watching Lost, all whilst trying to keep control over her younger sister Charlotte. As an 8-year-old, something Charlotte desperately wants is her sister's attention. Charlotte constantly asks to play with Sadie or to watch Lost with her, but every time she asks, Sadie's teenage annoyance only grows. The Apatow sisters have a larger and more interesting presence in This Is 40, as their familiar sibling relationship brings an endearing aspect to the movie.