IF WEDDING CRASHERS is the film that made the waters safe again for R-rated comedies, The 40-Year-Old Virgin is the R-rated comedy that fans of the genre have been waiting for. Though Crashers has its moments of Vince-Vaughn-and-maple-syrup goodness, Virgin boasts more laughs and way more insta-classic moments. Freaks and Geeks guru Judd Apatow makes his feature directing debut, with a script cowritten by star Steve Carell (The Daily Show). It's all there in the title: Andy (Carell) has never done the deed; he's so blandly nice that an acquaintance is moved to observe, "I'm pretty sure he's a serial murderer." After they discover his secret, Andy's well-meaning coworkers (Paul Rudd, Romany Malco, and Seth Rogan) attempt to steer him into debauchery, leading to comic high points involving porn, apple bongs, manscaping, and the following advice on how to talk to a woman: "Be David Caruso in Jade!" Of course, as it turns out, Andy doesn't really need their help, winning over single mom Trish (Catherine Keener) despite his blatant dorkiness (Andy's apartment, stuffed to the gills with pristine action figures, is a wonder of set decoration). Though Virgin eventually reaches a predictable climax, the path it takes to get there – crude enough to include puke humor, random enough for a running Michael McDonald joke, and guffaw-inducing throughout – is well worth it. (Cheryl Eddy)