Is This Is 40 Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, This Is 40 is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 134 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
This Is 40 Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2012, This Is 40 emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Pete and Debbie are both about to turn 40, their kids hate each other, both of their businesses are failing, they're on the verge of losing their house, and their relationship is threatening to fall apart. Unlike standard genre fare, This Is 40 attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and This Is 40 features a noteworthy lineup led by Paul Rudd . Supported by the likes of Leslie Mann and John Lithgow , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of This Is 40 (2012) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
This Is 40 Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: This Is 40 is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Pete and Debbie are both about to turn 40, their kids hate each other, both of their businesses are failing, they're on the verge of losing their house, and their relationship is threatening to fall apart. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
This Is 40 Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: This Is 40 attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of This Is 40 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch This Is 40?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
This Is 40 Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $35.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $88.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
This Is 40 Budget
The estimated production budget for This Is 40 is $35.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of This Is 40
- Paul Rudd – Pete
- Leslie Mann – Debbie
- John Lithgow – Oliver
- Megan Fox – Desi
- Maude Apatow – Sadie
Top Highlights
Paul RuddPete
Leslie MannDebbie
John LithgowOliver
Megan FoxDesi
Maude ApatowSadie
Iris ApatowCharlotte
Chris O'DowdRonnie
Jason SegelJason
Melissa McCarthyCatherine
Graham ParkerGraham Parker
Where to Watch This Is 40 Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
JioHotstar🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
This Is 40 is rated R. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, This Is 40 stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2012 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Is 40 movie hit or flop?
This Is 40 has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is This Is 40 worth watching?
This Is 40 is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch This Is 40 online?
This Is 40 is currently available for streaming on JioHotstar. You can also check for it on platforms like JioHotstar depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for This Is 40
So bloated, if still almost good. I having nothing major against it tbh. The cast are probably what stop me from disliking 'This Is 40'. Paul Rudd (Pete) and Leslie Mann (Debbie) are likeable and more than competent in the lead roles, while John Lithgow (Oliver) and Albert Brooks (Larry) are strong additions to this 'Knocked Up' spin-off. The story features interesting stuff and has, just about, respectable intentions, but man is it overly long. They could've made the exact same point but with 30-40 minutes worth of fat cut out. I didn't care enough about the characters to see them for as long as I did, in short. As alluded to, the onscreen talent do keep it bubbling along at a minimal level and, also, the music is very good. It just didn't need to be so dragged out, in my opinion.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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