Funny People

Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman, Jonah Hill, Andy Dick (cameo), Paul Reiser (cameo), Sarah Silverman (cameo), Eminem (cameo), Ray Romano (cameo), Justin Long (cameo)
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is a world famous comedian who has just been diagnosed with a fatal blood disorder. Since he has chased off everyone else in his life, he reluctantly befriends a struggling comedian (Seth Rogen) who begins to help him change the way he views his life.

Review:
Tim: I really appreciate that Judd Apatow took a chance with this movie. As a dramedy more heavy on the drama than the comedy, and one not about the typical comedy subject matter, this was certainly a risk. Yet, Apatow felt passionate about this film, so he was willing to do something different. I really like that, and I hope more directors take chances on their films. Unfortunately, it just doesn't work here. I hope Apatow continues to take risks in his film, but they just did not pay off here. This is a movie seemingly made only for Apatow himself- who else is the target audience here? I honestly do not know, so it doesn't surprise me that this was a bit of a box office disappointment.

The major problem here is that Apatow has created a joyless, troubling movie that seems to fighting against itself for a true definition of what it is. I am not sure Apatow knew precisely what he wanted to create here, and that indecision hurts the movie. It is a drama and a comedy, but neither aspect works particularly well. Yes, there are a few humorous lines, but this isn't an especially funny movie. In fact, I was oftentimes surprised how unfunny this movie actually ended up being. Despite a few great moments, most of the film is disappointing. The drama side isn't much better. Again, despite a (very) few good moments, the movie is surprisingly devoid of real emotion.

It doesn't help that none of these characters are particularly interesting or likeable. Adam Sandler plays a horrible human being, and a fairly unfunny comic. He is decent in the role because he is basically playing a worse version of himself. It is hard to root for him at all. Seth Rogen is likewise only halfway decent. His character isn't likeable, so it is very hard to root for him, too. So, we're left with a bunch of characters we can't identify with or really care about at all. So why should we pay attention? Why should we get engaged in the story? To make matters even worse, the movie clocks in at an absurd 146 minutes. Are you kidding me?

Funny People is certainly a different, interesting look at the behind-the-scenes life of a famous comedian. It is fairly entertaining to see all these "funny" people together in the same movie. The huge number of famous cameos does keep the movie moving a bit. However, Apatow has created a movie that is far too long, not nearly funny enough, and at times, a struggle to get through. I give him credit for taking the chance, but it didn't work out here. This is not a good movie at all and it is very hard to find anything truly enjoyable about this movie. I was hugely disappointed.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Spanglish