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Judd Apatow’s latest film features an astounding cast that truly brings it to life and allows for both its dramatic and hilarious components to have their share in the movie. Starring Adam Sandler as George Simmons, a successful actor bitter from a life lacking happiness and love, who early on in the movie becomes very ill. Along with Sandler is Seth Rogen playing Ira Wright, a stand-up comedian struggling to make it in the business. But it doesn’t end there. Leslie Mann supports as George Simmons’ lost love, Laura. The film also features Eric Bana as Laura’s husband, as well as Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman as Ira’s more successful roommates. Funny People also boasts some great guest appearances from a slew of celebrities such as Andy Dick, Eminem, Charles Fleischer, Sarah Silverman, Ray Ramano, Jon Brion, Justin Long, even YouTube star Bo Burnham, along with plenty more.

SUMMARY

Early on, movie star George Simmons is diagnosed with Leukemia, putting a completely new twist on living for him. As his new perspective on his own life unfolds, Simmons begins to see that he is very isolated; he has no real friends or wife, only one-night stands and the staff of his mansion to keep him company. He hires Ira Wright, an up-and-coming comedian, to write jokes for him, be his assistant, and well, be his best friend. Though Ira thinks that they have a reasonably good relationship, George resists and treats him more like an employee at first. But, as the film progresses, George and Ira draw closer. George Simmons then beats Leukemia. After knocking on death’s door, Simmons decides he wants to change his life. He pursues the girl of his dreams and attempts to become closer with his friends, while slowly but surely becoming less astringent and unpleasant as the film goes on.

APATOW

In it’s opening weekend, Funny People seemed to attract quite a bit of love/hate criticism. The biggest reason behind this is likely due to the films writer and director, Judd Apatow, who took a bit of a different turn on this picture. Since his previous films, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, there were high expectations for Apatow to release another laugh-out-load comedy like his older work. Except Funny People isn’t that comedy after all; it’s more or less a great funny-drama type. Apatow was really looking to separate this movie from his others, going for a more mature feel and taking some risks. He takes death and throws his own spin on it.

A movie about life, facing death, friendship, and mostly self-reflection, it’s hard to imagine the movie has a comedic factor. Fear not though, Funny People is packed with laughs. It’s hard not to have plenty of chuckles with such a prodigious cast who add just the right amount of guffaw to this flick. As mentioned before, the film is not all dick jokes; Funny People features a very dramatic side as well, portrayed stupendously by its troupe. The movie explores the theme of death in a different way, and what it’s like to know you’re going to die. It even lightly touches on the life of fame from a few different perspectives.

SANDLER

Adam Sandler plays possibly one of his best roles in Funny People, as his comical edge unites with his serious tone better than it has in any of his previous attempts at doing so. It’s Punch-Drunk Love meets Happy Gilmore. It appears that his best movie is of a role so similar to his tangible life. The movie even begins with genuine footage of Sandler’s prank phone calls 20 years ago, courtesy of Judd Apatow’s home-video collection. Also similar to Sandler, George Simmons assembles a career on a string of prosperous films after establishing his start as a stand-up comedian. Adam Sandler is back at the top of his game, notching another successful attainment.

ROGEN

Not to forget about the other half of the feature’s dynamic comedy duo, a much slimmer Seth Rogen put forth a fantastic effort. Though he’s been in movie after movie for the past couple years, few people seem to be getting tired of him. Even after starring in sensational films such as Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, Zack And Miri Make A Porno, and Observe And Report, Rogen still demonstrates that he’s got more to offer as he put on potentially his strongest performance of his career thus far. Rogen plays Ira Wright, who obtains the chance to take a caesura from what seems to be a dead end career path as he becomes George Simmons’ right hand man. All of a sudden he’s flying in private jets, hanging out in mansions, meeting stars, and performing better then ever for considerably more extensive crowds than that of which he’s used to.

SUPPORTING CAST

Fortunately for Funny People, the comedy doesn’t end there. Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman really jazz up the already admiral supporting cast as they play Ira’s roommates. Both of their characters act on a fake show in the movie called Yo Teach…! (Search on YouTube to see the full mini episodes), and make for a spectacular mini comedy duo themselves. Along with those two are Leslie Mann and Eric Bana playing Simmons’ old girlfriend Laura and her husband Clarke. Though Bana goes a little over the top as Clarke, you’ll still find him charming and pleasantly entertaining, and, in some scenes, quite humorous. Leslie Mann, (Judd Apatow’s real wife) along with her two children made for a few marvelous characters as the family George Simmons desired. Overall, the cast of this movie was just absolutely fantastic.

The one thing you’re really going to notice in retrospect about this movie will likely be the length, which could possibly be one of its few flaws—2 hours and 26 minutes! For me, this was one of those flicks where around the first hour I was still wanting more, so it ended up being a terrific length. It’s not one of those films that can drag on and get boring; you’re still laughing after the first hour and half. It’s really hard for a comedy to be that drudging, and this proves that. Funny People really showcases two different sides, the first half of the film where Simmons faces death, and the second half where he’s beaten death. If you’re a fan of anyone involved in this movie, don’t let anyone tell you it’s too long. It’s a fitting length.

CONCLUSION

Funny People is well-written with a handful of tremendous performances. The end result being a fantastic story with just the right balance of comedy and drama that reflects some of Judd Apatow’s best work. My hope is that, despite its inclusion of some heavy drama and a lengthy run time, most people will still enjoy this flick . It’s an astonishing film and my expectations were very well met.

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