New in Theaters: "This is 40" - Starring Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann

Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann reprise their roles, as Pete and Debbie, from the 2007 Judd Apatow film Knocked Up, in the new comedy This is 40. Officially reaching middle age is typically not an easy thing to get accustomed to. In fact, Debbie is in denial of her 40th birthday and even claims that she is 38. She also lies on various medical forms, which leads to questions from staff at a local hospital, who all have different birth years on record for her. Pete does not appear to have the same qualms about turning 40, which is just one of their many differences.

Some of Pete and Debbie's more significant differences compromise their relationship. They argue about Pete loaning large sums of money to his father, Larry (Albert Brooks), Pete is not happy with Debbie's smoking habit, which stays hidden from their two children, Sadie (Maude Apatow) and Charlotte (Iris Apatow), and Debbie is unhappy with Pete's unhealthy eating habits, including his obsession with cupcakes. As a result, Pete and Debbie argue regularly, which upsets both of their daughters. Unfortunately, both Pete and Debbie are dealing with financial problems relating to their respective business ventures: she owns a clothing store and he manages a Independent record label that is struggling, to say the least. Their frustrations cause them both to question their relationship.

However, when their children are in trouble, Pete and Debbie put their own differences aside and do everything in their power to help. In fact, Leslie physically threatens one of Sadie's classmates over his cyber bullying. Those situations bring the couple closer together, which causes them to become even more torn over their future together. Making things even more complicated in Debbie's strained relationship with her father, Oliver (John Lithgow), who comes to Pete's birthday party, but is not necessarily welcome by everyone.

Like his previous efforts, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, writer/director Judd Apatow taps into the difficulties and the realities of contemporary relationships and consistently uses humor to offset the more dramatic moments. Apatow also routinely outfits his films with a talented and likable cast. Indeed, Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann are the anchors of This is 40 and they display solid chemistry as a couple who have been together for a long time. They know each other too well, but still have trouble accepting their imperfections, which seems silly. However, that may speak to the broader problems within their marriage that are examined throughout the film.

The supporting cast is equally good and features another scene stealing effort from Melissa McCarthy, as Catherine, who is simply hysterical as an overprotective and brutally honest mother. The aforementioned Albert Brooks (Drive) and John Lithgow (The Campaign) deliver strong and amusing performances as two very different fathers, and Jason Segel (The Five Year Engagement) and Chris O'Dowd (Bridesmaids) bring the laughs as two horny men trying to score with a much younger and hotter woman, Desi (Megan Fox). There is quite a bit of talent featured throughout This is 40 and, as a result, the run time is over two hours, which is not unusual for a Judd Apatow movie.

One of the key components of This is 40 is the excellent use of music that compliments that various storylines. Musician Graham Parker plays himself, an aging singer/songwriter, who is managed by Pete. Unfortunately, Pete's marketing of Parker's latest effort is not very successful, which is partly blamed on the age of the musician's fans, who do not want to download the new album, while new fans are difficult to attract. Musician Ryan Adams is featured in a scene near the end of the film, as himself, and Pete talks about wanting to sign him to his troubled label. Adams contributes two memorable songs to the soundtrack; "Shining Through the Dark" and "Lucky Now."

This is 40 is an honest, amusing and well acted film. While the cast seems bloated, the talented actors make the most of what they have been given. Yes, the film feels a bit long and drawn out, but as the credits start to roll, viewers are treated to yet another round of Melissa McCarthy, who makes up for the longer than necessary run time with a laugh out loud, rambling and unforgettable monologue. If this is 40, I cannot wait until 50.