Pro: Judd Apatow's latest is his richest work yet, drilling down to the usual truths of his comedy, but with an added element of introspection that hasn't been as pronounced before. The Academy is ever shifting, and while yarns of older age certainly find luck, it's worth considering the demographic a film like this speaks to, one growing within the organization every year. Both "The 40 Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up" landed WGA nominations. One day he'll turn the corner. (If you're wondering why it's adapted and not original, it's because the film is based on characters Apatow created for "Knocked Up.")

Con: Comedy always faces bias at the Oscars and that could certainly hold this one back, too. Plus, like most of Apatow's work, it goes on a bit before really understanding that the story has been told. That inflation could be considered a lack of discipline by writers who like tighter structures.

- Kristopher Tapley