FromYearOneto this weeksThe King of Staten Island.
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This article has been updated to include Apatows recent films, including this weeksThe King of Staten Island.
The Judd Apatow Cinematic Universe is more than the work of just one man.
Over time, Apatows approach has matured and grown more sophisticated, but that core pleasure remains.
To celebrate Apatows growing oeuvre, were ranking the best of his movies.
But first, some ground rules.
Want to know the worst part?
This was Harold Ramiss last film.
He doesnt look particularly comfortable.
That timing didnt do this lackadaisical film any favors.
Chris ODowd plays Duncan, a superfan of a faded fringe singer-songwriter (Ethan Hawke).
But its also fatally adorable in how it depicts these mismatched characters and their ho-hum problems.
As a result, this tame date movie isnt nearly as anarchic or wise as Apatows best man-child manifestos.
18.This Is 40(2012, writer, producer, director)Yeesh.
And its nearly two-and-a-half hours long!
(It played in theaters for one night before airing on HBO.)
But if you dont know the band, youll be on the outside looking in.
Apatow loves the Avett Brothers, and why not?
Theyre a great band.
But thats mostly all the movie has to say.
Still, were glad Apatow seemed to enjoy himself so much making it.
This is only pretending to be a mature comedy.
have this much chemistry together, you just give the movie over to them.
(Apatow, who served as producer, worked on the script but didnt receive credit.)
This is all good fun.
And it is a LOT of good fun.
This is just a flat-out spoof, and its a terrific one.
(Tellingly, Schumer takes a shot atManhattanand Soon-Yi.)
Yes, the movie is too long and has too many unnecessary subplots.
But it steers toward truth and honesty in a way Apatows movies havent always.
Moving forward, this is a very good sign for Apatow.
The ending is a little too self-consciously Were doing 80s-movies tropes!
), and as deep a comedy bench, right before they all exploded, as you will find.
(And dont forget the star-making turns from Chris ODowd and Ellie Kemper.)
