How did you not like Knocked-Up? Anti-abortion? Just because they chose to have the kid doesn't make it anti-abortion.

Matt's just mad because someone made a better movie than Hugh Grant's "Nine Months."

Sexist and anti-abortion? Did we see the same movie?

Yeah Matt, I too didn't think Knocked Up was all that funny. In fact, it was kinda boring. I much preferred this promo clip featuring the always hilarious Michael Cera to the actual movie. http://thenewsorry.com

Dick skin condom, that's all I have to say.

Overheard outside the Lloyd Center Cinemas:

Matt Davis: "Gawd, that movie was awful. I'm Matt Davis. So sexist. And she didn't have an abortion! What a stupid girl. I'm Matt Davis. I can't believe my idiot co-workers liked that stupid movie. Did you guys find it as frustratingly unfunny as I did? When all those people were laughing, didn't you want to just stand up and say, stop laughing you stupid anti-abortion sexist idiots. People are so stupid. I'm Matt Davis. Grr."

Two People Hanging Out With Matt Davis:
"Sure Matt, whatever."

You know, that's EXACTLY how the conversation went. Which was, in fact, almost as depressing as the movie itself.

The fact that everybody loves it so much.

And I don't think any of my co-workers are idiots. This is simply a difference of opinion.

Oh shit. Steve's called an "editorial meeting" so I can defend what I said about Knocked Up. Since I'm probably going to need an attorney to get through Monday, I may as well defend myself here, before I get fired:

1.Pro Abortion: The grandmother who suggested she get an abortion was portrayed as a vicious old crab, out of touch with reality. If you're into pro-choice, that's kind of the nastiest stereotype. It made me feel like those who argue for abortion are losing a battle everyone thought had been won, which in the context of people trying to overturn Roe vs. Wade, is disturbing.

Not to mention that in this case, the fact that the couple didn't know each other, he had no means of supporting the baby, and were unsuited made it a pretty good case to get the child "taken care of."

2.Sexist: He is a fat stoner. She is a gorgeous TV presenter. She falls in love with him. WHY?! I need a reason. ANY reason. Please.

3.Frustatingly not funny: Having seen Anchorman and The 40-year old virgin, I was ready to love this movie. And I know, I should lighten up. It's just a comedy. But the problem is, people take this stuff seriously on some level. And I'm generally an irascible, neurotic, bitter person and something has to be DAMNED FUNNY to make me laugh. So, given points 1 and 2, I just couldn't get over myself enough to chuckle.

1. There were actually TWO proponents of the abortion idea... (Remember "schmoschmortion"?)

2. Did you just ask "Why do people fall in love?"... Seriously? Are you getting all Deepak Chopra on us, Matt? I believe that is an age-old question with no correct answer.

3. Fuck it.

Let’s start with the ridiculous notion that a woman 9 months pregnant would go get a Brazilian wax before giving birth. If that had been a joke, I would have laughed. But it wasn’t.

It's also lame to rely on the whole “shallow controlling woman thing” to make your stupid, fat, lazy asshole of a main character seem acceptable. And the mother's sister—who could barely act, and had a HUGE role, didn't you think? Well, she was just that.

Yours, Deepak Chopra. I mean, Matt Davis. Yeah Tron, LET'S LAUGH AT THE FEMINISTS! Er...

2.Sexist: He is a fat stoner. She is a gorgeous TV presenter. She falls in love with him. WHY?! I need a reason. ANY reason. Please.

Don't you mean, "He's poor, and she has money. What could she possibly see in him?"

No. I mean, "she has gotten off her ass, gone to the gym enough to survive Hollywood's obsession with being skinny, and landed a sweet job interviewing celebrities for a TV station, while he has achieved absolutely fuck-fucking-fuck-all. Whatsoever!"

I'm all for "marrying up." Or down. Or whatever. But this is not a financial question.

2.Sexist: He is a fat stoner. She is a gorgeous TV presenter. She falls in love with him. WHY?! I need a reason. ANY reason. Please.

DUDE!!! That's the whole idea of the movie. Two people from opposite ends of the spectrum get wasted and hook up, happens all the time, thankfully. They go their separate ways until they are forced back together by the pregnancy.

That's the reason. They have to try and she finds that she actually does fall in love with him.

I found her character endearing in that she is super hot, works in the the Entertainment industry but was actually a sweet and caring person and not portrayed as the typical, high-powered, hot female bitch.

You're off your rocker, Matt.

Matt, you're so full of shit.

I'm guessing that showing pubic hair would've bumped the film to an NC-17 (and shit, can they get some props for including that shot at all?).

Thanks, Erik. I guess I've just got a thing for "typical, high-powered, hot female bitches."

Alison, your point is very interesting given the "normal family view" of the film-ratings industry (hey, sorry, I just watched This Film is not Yet Rated). I guess the movie would have gotten an NC-17 rating, too, if the movie had been realistic and ABORTED after 20 minutes.

Stupid movie: it’s not funny because it is meant to appeal to the lowest common denominator... nuf said...

Homeless Kazoos: decent idea, a friend and I came up with the idea of just using buttons with some sort of political message as well.

Chinese Stock Market: yeah, I find it funny that everyone is willing to give China so much rope as to where their economy is going... wait ten years and if they can maintain it then we worry.

Look, I'm all for examining the sociological significance of popular film, but lighten the fuck up already. It is not a pro-life film. It was funny. If you didn't laugh, perhaps it's because you are too pretentious.

Stupid movie: it’s not funny because it is meant to appeal to the lowest common denominator... nuf said...

Did you see it?

Given the rash of horrifically unfunny "comedies" out there, I find this stands out as a smart film intended for people than can handle swear words. I found nothing base about it.

You have a very roundabout way of debating your points, Matt.

I thought the issue at hand was abortion. That seems to have been looped out in favor of a grooming debate.

Suz: pretentious?! Yes, I'm more pretentious than anybody I know. I'm more self-centered, too. Me me me me. That's pretty much all I think about.

But if you're not willing to at least consider the sexist, pro-abortion pretext of this movie, what does that make you? One of the unthinking proletariat?

I'd rather be pretentious anytime.

Oh, no, Matt. People are considering your accusations that the film is "sexist" and "pro-abortion." Then they're dismissing them. No, not because they're members of the "unthinking proletariat," but because you're wrong. And also full of shit.

Did you just call me a "proletariat"?

Not pretentious at all.

Consider your strong reactions to the points I'm making, people.

Consider your own latent sexism, and pro-abortion stances.

Why does this piss you off so much? Because I'm pushing your buttons!

I thought the film contained one of the best depictions of upper-class female anxiety i've seen since Lovely and Amazing. And I'm a girl. So there!

We're having a conversation about this movie being sexist and there isn't even mention of the whole "pink-eye" Las Vegas stripper segment? That seemed, to me, to be the most offensive part. Otherwise, I found it incredibly funny (with one too many stoner jokes, though), and rather endearing. You need a reason for her to fall him? Seth Rogan is incredibly charming. Period.

He'd be charming if he actually had a job.

You sound like my mom.

My mom wouldn't want me going out with a Mercury writer, either.

And who could blame her?!

Alison: "And I'm a girl. So there!"

The suggestion that being a girl would make my argument stronger is sexist in itself. But it's one, I would argue, that is shared by feminists, pro-abortionists, and "high-powered-female bitches" who wouldn't touch loser fat stoners, everywhere.

Isn't presuming that "feminists, pro-abortionists, and 'high-powered-female bitches'" share the same POV also a little sexist?

Yes! You see, we're all guilty of latent sexism, WITHOUT EVEN REALIZING!

I'm sorry!

If you live in Portland, you can be as smart and lovely, but inevitably you will end up in bed with loser fat stoners.

Such a shame, although I have heard people frequently lament this city's lack of winner thin non-stoners, so I'm sorry for your pain.

Again, this movie really wasn't that funny.I only let out a few half-hearted chuckles, now Hot Fuzz, that's a good movie. I fucking laughed my ass off for that one.Also, I'm having a hard time imagining a funny abortion movie.Oh wait, a woman sees the future and sees her kid is going to grow up to be Jimmy Fallon pro-abortion antics ensue. Take that, Fallon fetus.
P.s. Matt, I heard you were the second-best cop in L.A.

Funny abortion movie:

Citizen Ruth

Matt:
I'm not going to speculate as to how NOW might respond to the film. I do however consider myself a feminist; it's a perspective that informs every viewing experience that I have. And I just don't see the sexism you're pointing to in this movie.

Plus, I would totally date Seth Rogan. He's sweet and funny and willing to get his shit together. Does that mean I can't be a feminist anymore? Shit!

That's fucking hilarious.

I meant the "Citizen Ruth" idea was hilarious.

Now, Alison: You're a feminist, I'm a feminist, but this film is still sexist. For the reasons listed above. Each and every one.

Second: I'm not here to approve or disapprove of your dating choices. That's absolutely none of my business. But given a choice between Seth Rogan and, say, Hugh Jackman, I would rather date Hugh Jackman every single time. Even if someone said, "hey, why don't you try dating Seth, just this once," on the millionth time Jackman and I were stepping out, I'd say, "No thanks. I'd rather date this lithe, intelligent, sexually attractive human being for the MILLIONTH-AND-FIRST TIME, than even get within twenty feet of that fat loser stoner over there."

And just to be clear, I'm talking about Rogan's character, not Rogan specifically. As a highly successful actor he moves a point up my chart in real life. But only because he'd be able to pay for expensive dinners. I still wouldn't actually sleep with him.

Perhaps this is a case of, "each to their own?"

Is this conversation getting your English up, Matt?

Oh, it's that easy? Here, let me try:

The film is not sexist. For each and every one of the reasons listed above.

Alison, if you've read each and every one of my nine million comments above, then it is that easy, YES. If you want me to go over any of them with you, perhaps you should just ask during the "SHUT UP! NO, YOU SHUT UP!" podcast I am bound to be recording later.

No, Matt, I don't have any questions. I don't need you to explain anything to me; I am no longer interested in why you take for granted that your views on this subject are somehow more authoritative or legitimate than mine. Because I have just come to the conclusion that Erik reached about 20 comments ago: You're completely full of shit. Cheers.

How about instead of waiting for the "Shut Up! No, You Shut Up!" podcast, you just shut up now?

Nope. Not gonna shut up. Still right. Gonna have the last word. Sorry.

Speaking of sexism! There's currently a cake in the shape of a single "tittie," sitting on our break room table, in celebration of a male employee's birthday. Sexy, or sexism? I'd like to get both feminists' perspectives.

Hold on, I'm going to go eat some first.

Ummm… my vote is "sexy." BTW, Go see "Knocked Up!" Not only is it heeeee-larious (and not sexist or anti-abortionist at ALL), it also features a GREAT cameo by Ryan Seacrest who screams "FUCK!" a lot.

Sexist, but delicious. That's my verdict. And kind of funny. UNLIKE THAT USELESS MOVIE.

I have already expressed my disgust with the term "titty cake," but aside from that I have no objection.

Can we get back to the abortion thing? I'm fairly certain the whole hook of the pro-choice position is that women should have a choice of what to do with their own bodies. If the character was faced with that choice, and chose to keep the baby, how is that anti-choice? Or, Matt, do you see it as the duty of pro-choice supporters to convince women to have abortions if the father is considered to be a fat, lazy stoner?

Yes.

Meanwhile, MARJORIE MET MONICA LEWINSKY! They jiggled restroom door handles, for a laugh!

http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/2007/06/i_met_monica_lewinsky_sort_of.php

Cop out.

At any rate, I object to the cake, but only because it's not vegan. Although, to be fair, I don't think even my overworked sense of irony could handle a non-dairy boob cake.

You guys need to get real jobs.

So we'd have a chance of procreating?

Slate says I'm right!

http://www.slate.com/id/2167386/fr/flyout

Interesting that that article came out last Thursday and nearly mirrors your exact gripes. Hmm....

Yes, very. I didn't read it until just now.

"Apatow writes men with far more insight and acuity than he writes women."

Bitch, please. Lindsey from Freaks and Geeks is possibly my all-time favorite TV girl.

I've emailed the "bitch," Alison (otherwise known as Slate's film editor), and asked her to wade on in here. Let's hope she does!

Dude, you called Slate's film editor a bitch? Not cool, man. Not cool.

No, Alison, you did. That's what these bits of punctuation are for: ""

And here's the email I sent her:

Dana

I was thrilled to read your critique of Knocked Up, since my relatively benign observation that the movie is "sexist" caused a ridiculous amount of controversy at our alternative weekly here in Portland:

http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/2007/06/good_morning_news_67.php

Matt

Actually, Slate says you're wrong:

It's not that Knocked Up is misogynistic—if anything, Apatow is uxorious to a fault, scrupulously respectful of chicks and the chick stuff they do. He just doesn't seem to get exactly what that stuff is.

God-fucking-damn the internet. Goodbye.

It's just a fucking movie! Movies are made (for the most part) to appeal to the masses or cretin demographics. Matt, I'm sorry you don't happen to fall into that, but in any case... everyone.... It's just a god damn fucking movie. Aren’t there better things to bitch about people, come on? I'm sure there are starving children in the last acre of some unknown rain forest poaching the last of an unknown species of super apes or something right. This is worse than people talking about Paris Hilton as a headline on the evening news! FUCK!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to bash my head against a wall until all memory of this blog is erased.

I was just doing that when I read your comment.

Daaaaaaaaaang

Correction, that word was supposed to be certain, not cretin. Fucking spell check lied to me again!

the preview i saw made the movie look idiotic. it looks like the origin story of one of those hot-competent-wife-fat-stupid-husband sitcoms dragged out to two hours.

no one's saying she has to have an abortion, but given our extremely retro political climate, i agree with matt that there is something troubling about the notion that she has to both have the baby AND let a one-night-stand loser in on the parenting process. this isn't 1952.

maybe my sarcastometer is broken and you're all kidding about this disagreement, but i do hope there is a "no you shut up" podcast on the way.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think "she has to both have the baby AND let a one-night-stand loser in on the parenting process."

I think she chooses to. Which is very 2007, not 1952.

God damn it, Amy, NO!

This is doublethink.

my favorite part was when alison says "bitch please" to the slate film editor and then lays into matt about calling the slate film editor a bitch.

no feminism points awarded that round.

Far be it for me to be petty about this, and anyway, I think we're WAY past that point, but see my riposte, re.quotation marks. I merely quoted Alison in calling the lady a "bitch." So you might say those quotation marks were, in fact, little revolutionary daubs of feminism on an otherwise patriarchal wall of a word.

Like I say, far be it for me to be petty. And besides, I just want this post to hit 80 comments now, so my suggestion that "people are only pissed off about this because I'm right" is well and truly proven.

Oh, god, seriously? I was JOKING. I used the term "bitch, please" to Matt bait (effectively), and then thought it would be funny... nevermind.

(no, no. you misunderstand! i thought it was funny!

no finger pointing!

i could give a fck about who is sexist or not.)

And that's 80. I rest my case.

Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch Bitch

Wanna shoot for a hundred?

attractive, intelligent women do not "choose" to mate with sitcom dad types in real life. this movie is a christian conservative republican loser fantasy flick. if that's your thing, great. but unless loserdad in the end decides to become a stay-at-home mom so his new special lady can continue her career, please stop suggesting it's a feminist masterpiece.

Actually, I would say a large portion of the guys I know are with women that are out of their class (myself VERY included). So I'd like to take this opportunity to say, THANK GOD FOR WOMEN WHO WILL SETTLE FOR A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR OVER WASHBOARD ABS.

Given the declining birthrates among more educated women, it seems this is happening less and less frequently anyway. So, it could be considered "funny" because its so absurd that it could never happen.

You know, like Die Hard.

Hey Matt,

I find your interpretation of "Knocked Up" as anti-abortion interesting. As an adamantly pro-choice woman,
I too thought the idea of abortion was given exceedingly little consideration in the film, when in reality it seems this would have been the most likely outcome. I also found it confusing that we are never really given a reason why either of the main characters is opposed to going this route. However, I realize it is after all a movie- a comedy at that- and an extended debate over whether or not to abort the pregnancy would neither further the plot nor be particularly funny.

Further, I think that people on both sides of the issue often forget that pro-choice means exactly that--favoring that women have the right to choose what to do with their bodeis, not being "pro-abortion", which I definitely am not. I worked in a reproductive health clinic and assisted with abortions for years, I am not married or seeking pregnancy at this time, and I am in the middle of a demanding graduate program- but if I found myself pregnant right now, I am reasonably sure I would keep the child, for reasons no doubt as complex and boring as those of the main character in "Knocked Up" would have been, had they been elaborated on. I wouldn't condemn anyone else for choosing differently, just as I hope my choice would be respected by those around me- that's the beauty of being pro-choice.

I am sure some of those close to me would question my decision, and it's hard not to come off looking like the bad guy when encouraging someone not to have a baby (as the overbearing mother appears in the film). There is something to be said, however, for making the empowered decision to do what you want with a pregnancy in the face of outside criticism, whether that criticism is pushing you towards abortion or parenting. To assume that in 2007, all unwanted pregnancies should end in abortion seems as sexist and anti-choice to me as saying in 1952 that all unwanted pregnancies should result in a birth. The movie deserves credit for addressing a tough issue in a non-predictable fashion, and being fucking hilarious while doing it.

Yeah. Except it wasn't even funny.

The New York Times catches up at last:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/10/fashion/10Knockedup.html?_r=1&ref=style&oref=slogin

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