Movie Review: Funny People

By Kevin Coll • August 3, 2009 • 6 Comments

This past weekend as we hit the latter part of the summer with all the major action thrilled fantastic blockbusters behind us, with the exception of a G.I. Joe coming out Aug. 7., Funny People arrived and brought us the alternative to the atypical summer comedy – like the already embraced and loved Hangover.

Starring Adam Sandler, in a movie that eerily pokes fun of his career and some of the film choices he has made, directed/written by Judd Apatow, Funny People, brings us their most personal and intimate comedy yet. Funny People differs in every way to Apatow’s previously written, directed and produced comedies with the exception of his casting picks – Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill. The film is immensely different to most of Sandler’s comedies as well. There is the use of profane humor and the multitude of penis jokes [Its funny, the penis has become such comedic tool it makes me wonder what will be the next trend we will see] riffled throughout the dialogue but its the surrounding story and characterization thats in the foreground of this film.

Funny People, is a film that brings charm to a life journey about a guy who is so selfish and self involved it takes a brush with death that ultimately makes him realize he needs to change how he lives his life and interacts with people – friends and family. Reverting back to his origin, the main protagonist, George Simmons (Adam Sandler), Apatow’s version of a George Bailey, is diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia and decides to start doing stand-up comedy again. Stand-up is where the comedian star within the story had his start, before and plethora of low-brow comedies, and he realizes its the one thing that makes him happy and the part of his life worth living but only to a point. Rather than having a spirit guide like Scrooge in Christmas Carol or Bailey’s guardian angel, Clarence, Simmons finds solace in a young and upcoming comedian named Ira Wright (Seth Rogen). Coincidentally in the film Wright’s, real last name is revealed and it fits perfectly into Apatow’s affection for the penis joke – Wiener. Wright provides assistance to the dying star while also helping him figure out what’s good in life and what he has missed out on. Simmons is led back to his former love and “the one who got away” ex-fiance, Laura (Leslie Mann -real life wife of Apatow).

Laura is now married to her husband of 12 years, an Australian salesman named Clarke (Eric Bana) who is often on business trips in China. They have two daughters, Mable (Maude Apatow) and Ingrid (Iris Apatow). Laura reveals that Clarke, like George, has been cheating on her and that her life has been a wreck ever since she broke up with George. George apologizes for his past behavior and they begin to rekindle the flame of their love as she knows he’s dying and wants to be with the one man she has truly loved and vice-versa.

The film is actually deeply emotional and ingrains the adult comedy within the comedic acts performed by the film’s main characters. It is certainly and undeniable Apatow’s most mature film to date but does that make is great? I thought the film worked for the most part ranging from the emotional depth to the comedy. I also like how it was basically an adult/retelling of its A Wonderful Life. The film is basically a love story from many different angles ranging from the romance of George and Laura to the the bromance between George and Ira. Not to mention the ensemble friendship story between Ira and his career competitive roommates, Leo Koenig (Jonah Hill), and Mark Taylor Jackson (Jason Schwartzman). The thing I also loved about the film is that it showed humor within all the pain, humiliation, hate and loneliness the film showed and the characters went through. I think it really makes you believe that life’s greatest joy is laughter but only if you are truly happy.

Its a truly absorbing film like Its A Wonderful Life and if offended audience members can get past the penis jokes and other sex related humor the movie carries weight, depth and makes a case for one of the best screenplays of the year – possibly an Oscar nod for Apatow in that category. Other notable things is the film consists of great supporting cast ranging from Hill, who is not as obstrusive this time around, Aziz Ansari and Aubrey Plaza, both of which bring their comedic prowess in a way that fits and doesn’t steer the film away from its main characters or ultimate goal.

Total Score: 9 out of 10

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