4 Stars:
“Funny People” is the latest film from director Judd Apatow (“Freaks & Geeks,” “The 40 Year Old Virgin”). It stars Adam Sandler in probably his greatest role ever. He plays George Simmons, a hugely successful stand-up comic who’s made the move to big screen star much like Tim Allen, Eddie Murphy and Sandler himself. At the beginning of the film George is diagnosed with cancer and it’s too late for chemo or radiation to have any effect. George’s last chance is an experimental drug that has only been effective 8% of the time.
George takes a long hard look at his life and discovers that materially he has it all, but his life has zero substance. He has no friends, just maids and Hollywood acquaintances. So George decides to go back to his stand-up roots and show up at an improv night. At the improve, Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) is supposed to go on stage when he receives word that George Simmons has showed up and wants to do ten minutes, so he’ll have to follow Simmons. George gets on stage and is more depressing than funny. By the time Ira gets up there the crowd is out of the laughing mood, so Ira changes his act and just rips on George’s act and how depressing it was.
After the show Ira runs into George and George tells Ira how funny he thought he was. He asks Ira if would like to write for him. Ira tells George that he would love to. Ira becomes George’s assistant, writer, best and only friend. Ira provides George with that friendship he’s been missing. They tour together with Ira opening for Sandler’s character. Simmons eventually tells Ira about his condition. Ira convinces him to tell those close to him. This brings George to the woman he was supposed to marry - Laura (Leslie Mann), who is married to Clarke (Eric Bana) and has two kids played by Apatow and Mann’s real life daughters.
“Funny People” is a very funny movie about stand-up comedy, friendship, life and death. It’s probably not Apatow’s funniest movie, but it’s easily his best. Sandler is flat out amazing as George Simmons. He begins to cherish his life once he finds out he is dying and makes valuable changes to his life. He later gets news that the experimental drug has worked and that the cancer has left his body. Will Simmons be able to sustain the life lessons he’s learned or will he go back to the shallow version of himself that he once was?
At the same time Seth Rogen’s performance as Ira is one of his best. Ira is a struggling stand-up comic who has two roommates (Jason Schwartzman & Jonah Hill) who are more successful than him. He betrays his friend for a chance at stardom. All this as Simmons is trying to get away from stardom and make real friends. Once Simmons learns that he is going to be ok it is very interesting watching how Simmons and Ira evolve.
What’s good? The story is Judd Apatow’s greatest yet. This is not a silly over the top comedy like “Knocked Up” or “The 40 Year Old Virgin.” But it is still a very funny movie. The performances are great. I’ve said it multiple times above, but this is the best I’ve ever seen Sandler. The cameos are great and plentiful including stand-up comics, actors, musicians and rappers.
What’s bad? This movie is very long at 2 hours and 26 minutes. If there is anything that Apatow is bad at it is editing. However, what he leaves in is still entertaining, it just doesn’t move the story forward. If he were to make cuts, most likely Jason Schwartzman’s character would be the one cut, but he’s very good, so I understand why they didn’t make the cut. Overall, I really enjoyed this movie. It’s not what you’re expecting coming from Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, but honestly I think it’s better than what you’d expect.
BYLINE:
Bob Zerull is a frequent movie and concert goer who talks about his ventures to arenas and theaters more than any person should be allowed to do. Now, he puts them down on paper. Email Bob at bob@zoiksonline.com. Visit: www.cadaverchristmas.com.
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