So I went to see Funny People on its opening weekend and was not disappointed. I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first. The trailer did it no justice. It was a hysterical and unbelievably long two and a half hours.
Adam Sandler puts on an incredible performance (perhaps his best since Punch Drunk Love) in a film in which we see him go to darker places compared to his previous films. It was well shot throughout its entirety. Apatow and his cinematographer Janusz Kaminski use some of Sandler's video footage from their college days, and the stand-up performances in the film are shot in front of an actual live audience.
A bit long? eh.. Funny? Hell yea!
As it implies, Funny People is a film about how the the people who make a career out of making us laugh are miserable and alone. Apatow was able to go to a more mature level while remaining the same hilarious and obscene guy we know from The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up.
The dramatic themes combined with his usual trademark obscenities make this Judd Apatow's best film yet.
Adam Sandler puts on an incredible performance (perhaps his best since Punch Drunk Love) in a film in which we see him go to darker places compared to his previous films. It was well shot throughout its entirety. Apatow and his cinematographer Janusz Kaminski use some of Sandler's video footage from their college days, and the stand-up performances in the film are shot in front of an actual live audience.
Sandler plays George Simmons, a well known comedian suffering from a rare blood disease who hires Ira Wright to be his companion and write his jokes. Ira Wright (played by Seth Rogen) is an up and coming comedian trying to find his own (with women and his profession).
And I'm not going to lie: it was a shock to see Eric Bana feature in something and not be bored to the point where I just want to get up and walk out of the theatre. Maybe he should go "Aussie" more often.
The first half of the film is fast paced and concentrates on the "bromance" relationship between George and Ira. It would have made for a great hour and a half film. However, as the second half begins the story turns and we see George in pursuit of the one that got away (Leslie Mann), which makes a bit too long for comfort. Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman make it easier to get through with their scene stealing performances.
A bit long? eh.. Funny? Hell yea!
Overall, I really enjoyed Apatow's latest film. Funny People; it's self explanatory.
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