There were definitely some laugh out loud jokes. I just think the subject wasn't given enough serious attention. There's a marriage with kids and money issues with family and businesses, but the writing is only skin deep and choppy. It really isn't about the issues of turning 40, that's just fodder for some jokes ready made for the trailer. It's about a marriage on the brink ( many are). Should have cut some the funny stuff that wasn't really funny, kept the really funny stuff (when Deb destroys miniature Tom Petty) and focused tightly on her estranged relationship with her dad (Lithgow). Apatow seemed hesitant to delve deeper into the more serious plot elements and the film ultimately suffers as a result.
Review of This Is 40
