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Knocked Up

An executive physician from Planned Parenthood finds deeper meaning in the hit summer comedy.

The Plot
Writer-director Judd Apatow blends crude jokes with sentimental romance in this laughfest that charts the unlikely love story of a chubby slacker, Ben (Seth Rogen), and a career-conscious beauty,Alison (Katherine Heigl). The two find themselves expecting a child following a drunken one-night stand and frequently clash as they prepare for parenthood.

Our Insider
Vanessa Cullins, medical affairs vp at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, has an extensive background in reproductive health issues. An expert in contraception research and a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist, she earned her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University, where she later worked as an assistant professor.

OVERVIEW "I must admit, this movie stressed me out. [Laughs.] I was distressed by everything from the lack of communication between the two characters to the way that the movie painted a rosy picture of a fairy-tale situation where the characters find true love by getting pregnant from a one-night stand. Aside from all the laughter, I hope it encourages people to think about being better prepared before having sex."

THE SLOTH "Seth Rogen did a fine job of portraying the perpetual adolescent. He played that character to a T and, ultimately, showed that a more thoughtful plan is to become an adult first, and a parent second. But, yes, Seth's character, Ben, did step up to the plate to be supportive of Alison, and that was a positive thing. I was glad to see that. Unlike what so often happens in real life, the man was not left off the hook."

FUNNY FALSEHOODS "I really appreciated the dialogue where characters discussed the various myths surrounding pregnancy prevention -- things like jumping up and down on a trampoline or engaging in certain sexual positions. In the early scene where Alison first tells Ben that she's pregnant, he assumed she was on some form of birth control, and she assumed he had worn a condom. These are very common misperceptions that occur in new relationships where there hasn't been much communication."

LABOR PAINS "I laughed out loud during the birth scene, especially when Ben's friend bursts in and freaks out when he sees the baby crowning. Actually, the entire delivery sequence was pretty realistic, including the part where Ben stands up to Alison's sister and banishes her to the waiting room. It's also true that there is a lot of screaming when there's no epidural. It's very common to want natural childbirth, and then you get to a point where you change your mind [about using painkillers], but it's too late."

UNSPOKEN THOUGHTS "It seemed the filmmakers gave short shrift to Alison's decision to carry the baby to term. There's a brief scene in which her mother implores her to 'take care of it,' and that seemed accurate in depicting most family conversations about abortion. Euphemisms are used, and the details of the process are never mentioned. But given the circumstances and context of Alison's life and career, it seemed odd how we never saw her consciously consider the various options before her. Of course, then it wouldn't have been a comedy."

-- Jeffrey Ressner

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