Funny People – Review

Comedy is a genre that is often misunderstood, and when mixed with drama, comedy can be extremely difficult to stomach.  Fortunately, Judd Apatow’s keen ability to mix his comedy with reality makes his transition into the dreaded comedy/drama hybrid a smooth one.  Apatow’s first two films, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up are perfect examples of the new generation of comedy that mix slapstick with bit of reality.  The characters are easy to relate to, they have problems with girls, are awkward, uncomfortable, and extremely ordinary.  Funny People takes this a bit further adding death into the mix.

The flick takes a look at the darker side of comedy, and delves into the secret lives of the comedians that live their lives in front of an audience.  Adam Sandler dials in the most impressive performance of his career as the troubled comedian, George Simmons, who finds out he has a disease that could have him pushing daises sooner rather than later.

Most people in George’s predicament would turn to their loved ones for solace, but George doesn’t have any real friends, and he doesn’t really get along with his family either.   Faced with early retirement George decides to start doing stand up again, and after an unscheduled performance he meets an up-and-coming comic named Ira (Seth Rogen).  Soon after their initial meeting George hires Ira as his assistant and to write jokes for him.  It doesn’t take long for Ira to realize that he’s basically being paid to be George’s friend.

Of course there wouldn’t be a story if there wasn’t a woman involved, and in this case it’s the one that got away.  Leslie Mann is perfect in this role.  She is sincere in her love for George, so sincere in fact that she is willing to risk her comfortable family life for a second shot at personal bliss.  Only, George Simmons is a leopard that won’t easily change his spots.  He struggles with being a celebrity but he’s addicted to the lifestyle.  The thought of not being able put himself first is overwhelming.

The entire cast is beyond amazing here.  Everyone, including the cameos are more than solid.  The visibly thinner Seth Rogen proves he can do more than act like a geeky stoner, but it’s Adam Sandler that shines here.

I have to say that Apatow has really grown as a director.  He takes the characters in this film into territory he has never tread.  Sure, the dick jokes are plentiful but used contextually.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Apatow, because if Funny People is any indication, it’s going to be bright.

If you haven’t seen this picture already, do so immediately, because Funny People is most definitely a killer film.

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