It’s funny, it’s gross, and it’s disrespectful; that’s why Knocked Up is one of the best movies of 2007. How could anyone not like this film? To fully appreciate the humor of Knocked Up, you have to know a lot about the cast and the director. The majority of the cast has appeared in other projects together and they were just as funny in those as they were in Knocked Up. Seth Rogen, the lead actor in Knocked Up, has starred in other projects that have been produced, written, or directed by Judd Apatow. After many years of delivering solid humor on the small screen, Rogen has finally gotten his big break as Ben Stone in Knocked Up. This guy has done the best acting job of 2007, and what’s funny is that he is basically playing himself. The Rogen-Apatow connection began in 1999 with the small screen cult-classic Freaks and Geeks. As funny and true-to-life as this show was, network producers did not really appreciate its greatness and canceled it after the first season. Freaks and Geeks is about two different groups: the freaks and the geeks trying to make it through high school in the ’80s. Rogen starred in Freaks and Geeks with fellow Knocked Up co-stars Martin Starr, and Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother). Another F&G star, James Franco (Spider Man 1,2, and 3), made a very funny cameo in Knocked Up. Following the cancellation of Freaks and Geeks, Apatow was back at it again with the 2001 small-screen classic Undeclared. This show had many of the same elements that Freaks and Geeks possessed and like F&G, this show was cancelled after the first season. Undeclared wass about a dorky college freshman who is about to embark on one of the best experiences of his life: college. Like Knocked Up, it is funny, disgusting, and downright disrespectful, but that’s why it is hilarious. Along with Rogen, this show also has some co-stars who appeared in Knocked Up: Jason Segel, and Jay Baruchel (Almost Famous). After the networks canceled one of Apatow’s programs again, the director turned towards the big screen with Steve Carell starring in the 2005 film The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Like the other two shows, Rogen makes an appearance in the film as well as Knocked Up co-star Paul Rudd. Guess who else makes a cameo in Knocked Up? Good old Steve Carell. Like in Knocked Up, Rudd and Rogen steal the show, as the scenes those two share are some of the funniest in both films. When Judd Apatow directs a movie, he likes his actors and actresses to be free on the set. They have a script, but it does not have to be followed. Everyone is free to ad-lib and do everything on their own, and nearly 90% of Apatow’s films are unscripted lines. That brings a better glimpse of humor to the film as it shows just how naturally funny and talented each actor truly is. Apatow is also behind the creation of two of Hollywood’s biggest characters ever. He was an Executive Producer for the film Anchorman, which brought Ron Burgundy to life. Seth Rogen makes a small appearance in this film, and Paul Rudd also has a very funny role in the film. Apatow was also the Executive Producer for the film Talladega Nights, which saw the rise of Ricky Bobby. So, now that you’ve got a little more knowledge of the Rogen-Apatow connection, go check out: Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared, and the 40-Year-Old Virgin, and then pop Knocked Up in the DVD player and you will appreciate it that much more. Judd Apatow’s comic genius and the entire cast of Knocked Up make the entire film memorable. The wit between everyone is evenly-balanced, and even the more serious and sentimental scenes share a little bit of humor, bringing a sense of realism to the film. Now do you see why this film won our Outhouse Award?