Masterful Movie

What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I first watched Fortysomething 3 years ago, and I soon purchased it, which is rare for me. I'm not a particular fan of comedies, but this one's really smart and huge fun, and it's got heart. The characters are hilarious and engaging, and whoever cast this did an amazing job. I hadn't seen some of the actors before, but they're all just what's needed. Peter Capaldi's Ronnie Pilfrey is a particular joy. Other standouts are Hugh Laurie, Anna Chancellor, and Sheila Hancock. A young Benedict Cumberbatch is fun, although under-utilized in his role. If you enjoy re-watching favorite series, this is definitely one to check out. Like some other classics, it holds up well to that. It's also got lots of heart. I'm not sure why this only ran for a season; it may have been because Hugh Laurie was cast in House. Or perhaps it was scheduled/promoted wrong. But thank goodness Fortysomething exists. Sex is a recurring theme, so you may not want to watch it with small children, only so you don't have to explain it to them. It's deftly-handled, though. If you weren't offended by the subject in Friends, it won't bother you here.

My sister the Cumberbabe says this is unwatchable. She gave up on it after a couple of episodes. I didn't literally watch the entire series, but I did listen to the whole thing while shredding some papers and glancing up now and then, which isn't a bad way to experience it if like me you're really not a fan of low, heavy-handed dumb-dumb farce in which everyone is either really stupid, mean, or mean AND stupid.To me the only thing this series has going for it is that amazing cast (Hugh Laurie and Benedict Cumberbatch playing father and son is an idea worth trying again in better circumstances) but since the clowning they have to do is so tasteless and embarrassing it's not much fun. The sex farce stuff with the young people (what my sister calls the "Mum, he's shagging my girlfriend!" stuff) and the lame-butted "Twelfth Night" derived sequence in which Capaldi and Chancellor do Malvolio and Olivia just made me hate whoever was responsible for it.

You need to allow this vehicle to grow on you. The first episode is a bit difficult as it tries to introduce the family and their various problems. Hugh Laurie plays a sexually needy doctor married to a very attractive wife but he can't recall the last time they had sex and he wants sex. His sons are either all sexually involved or want to be. His wife isn't opposed to sex but the viewer isn't sure what she wants to happen. About the middle of the second episode you begin to chuckle and by the third episode you begin to laugh out loud. For a House devotee it can be disconcerting to see a bumbling Hugh Laurie speaking with an English accent but once you accept Laurie as a completely different character in ludicrous situations this comedy will tickle your funny bone.

I've just seen the third episode tonight, and this really is the most staggeringly brilliant comedy I've had the pleasure to view in a great many moons. Quite why ITV has decided to move it to the 11pm slot on a Saturday night I know not, but I would thoroughly recommend that you check out the rest of the series and then rush to acquire a copy as soon as it's released on DVD or video.The characterisation, script, performances and plot are all excellent - Hugh Laurie, Anna Chancellor and Peter Capaldi are all at their very best, and there's some quite stunning physical comedy from Mr Capaldi in particular. All the supporting roles are excellently played as well, particularly the three sons, their two inane girlfriends and Ms Chancellor's employer (the ever-wonderful Sheila Hancock).All of which may sound a tad hyperbolic, but if I'd just said "Well, it's about this doctor facing a midlife crisis, he's worried that his wife may run off with someone else, his practice partner is psychotic and obsessed with his wife, his teenage sons can't stop either thinking about, or having, sex, and meanwhile he can't remember the last time he actually had any himself," I'd never really have got it out of my system, now would I?