Despite producing several of the best comedies of the last few years (including Pineapple Express, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Superbad) this is only Judd Apatow's third film behind the camera (The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up). The all-star cast includes Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman.
Funny People is the story of a famous comedian (Sandler) who has a near-death experience. Says Apatow: "I'm trying to make a very serious movie that is twice as funny as my other movies. Wish me luck."
Amusing and engaging yet lacking in snap and cohesion, this insider's look at the world of standup comics in contempo Los Angeles rings true in its view of the variously warped, stunted and narrow lives of its mostly male denizens.
Full reviewA comedy-drama full of beauty and ugliness, profundity and profanity. Eventually loses its way but, for at least 100 minutes, it’s some sort of masterpiece.
Full reviewThere’s something irritatingly self-satisfied about Funny People, which explains why, though it glances on the perils of fame, it mostly affirms its pleasures.
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The thing about Funny People is that it's a real movie. That means carefully written dialogue and carefully placed supporting performances -- and it's ABOUT SOMETHING.
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Any sort of new insight into comedy's darker themes, to say nothing of life's, eludes Funny People. Instead Sandler and Rogen and the rest are left to wander aimlessly, with tedious comedy gigs, an even more tedious faux sitcom and relatively vapid relationships masquerading as a plot.
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Apatow is on the right track. In moving his adolescent male comedies into more adult realms, the humor sharpens and characters deepen.
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An absolute treat. In spite of its disappointing climax, this is Apatow’s smartest, rudest and -- yes -- funniest film yet.
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Apatow's gags can still make me laugh out loud, but Funny People's flirtation with serious drama is forced and uncomfortable.
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