Review: Funny People
Judd Apatow and crew are back in this comedy/drama 'Funny People'. The name is accurate, stars Adam Sandler, Seth Rogan and Leslie Mann are indeed funny, however this film isn't a full on comedy. It deals with some serious issues, and while the jokes are clever the film itself is about 30 minutes too long.
George Simmons (Sandler) is a famous comedian who finds out he has a terminal illness. He realizes he really doesn't have any close relationships with anyone, and while doing an impromptu stand up routine he meets an aspiring comedian Ira (Rogen) and hires him to write jokes for him and be his assistant. As much as Simmons doesn't want to admit it, Ira eventually becomes his close friend. He talks him to sleep every night, he becomes his opening act, he also tags along when Simmons tries to rekindle is romance with a previous flame, Laura (Leslie Mann) who is already married and has children.
At 146 mins it is a very long film, some scenes drag and feel like they should've been shortened or cut completely. I've always been such a big fan of Apatow I almost feel bad writing this. This film isn't nearly as funny as 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' or as realistic as 'Knocked Up', but it won't hurt him in anyway. Apatow will have another hit, and this film will just seem like a little bump in the road. His jokes in the film for the most part are still very clever and fresh. Sandler is obviously a veteran in comedy and Rogan is well on his way. It's hard not to like Seth Rogan, he's absolutely adorable and no matter how many times they poke fun at the fact that he's lost so much weight, he looks great. Bottom line. Leslie Mann is absolutely lovely as always. It's easy to get annoyed by directors constantly casting their spouses in films, but I will never get sick of seeing her, as she always adds a little sparkle to the project. Apatow also made me realize something that I don't think I would've otherwise: Eric Bana is hilarious. At first I raised an eyebrow to him in a comedy, now I see how wrong I was. Not to mention hearing Bana's native Aussie accent is a sexy plus.
Recommended: Yes, but only if your an Apatow fan. The movie is good, it just runs far to long. 3 stars.
Memorable Quote: "You don't pass through fire to get to Heaven, I think your grandfather went to hell" - Leo (Jonah Hill) Honorable mention goes to Aubrey Plaza's stand up in the film. I can't remember it word for word, but it was wonderful.
George Simmons (Sandler) is a famous comedian who finds out he has a terminal illness. He realizes he really doesn't have any close relationships with anyone, and while doing an impromptu stand up routine he meets an aspiring comedian Ira (Rogen) and hires him to write jokes for him and be his assistant. As much as Simmons doesn't want to admit it, Ira eventually becomes his close friend. He talks him to sleep every night, he becomes his opening act, he also tags along when Simmons tries to rekindle is romance with a previous flame, Laura (Leslie Mann) who is already married and has children.
At 146 mins it is a very long film, some scenes drag and feel like they should've been shortened or cut completely. I've always been such a big fan of Apatow I almost feel bad writing this. This film isn't nearly as funny as 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' or as realistic as 'Knocked Up', but it won't hurt him in anyway. Apatow will have another hit, and this film will just seem like a little bump in the road. His jokes in the film for the most part are still very clever and fresh. Sandler is obviously a veteran in comedy and Rogan is well on his way. It's hard not to like Seth Rogan, he's absolutely adorable and no matter how many times they poke fun at the fact that he's lost so much weight, he looks great. Bottom line. Leslie Mann is absolutely lovely as always. It's easy to get annoyed by directors constantly casting their spouses in films, but I will never get sick of seeing her, as she always adds a little sparkle to the project. Apatow also made me realize something that I don't think I would've otherwise: Eric Bana is hilarious. At first I raised an eyebrow to him in a comedy, now I see how wrong I was. Not to mention hearing Bana's native Aussie accent is a sexy plus.
Recommended: Yes, but only if your an Apatow fan. The movie is good, it just runs far to long. 3 stars.
Memorable Quote: "You don't pass through fire to get to Heaven, I think your grandfather went to hell" - Leo (Jonah Hill) Honorable mention goes to Aubrey Plaza's stand up in the film. I can't remember it word for word, but it was wonderful.
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