Funny People reviewed by Robin Reed
August 3, 2009 by Robin Reed
Filed under Movies
Lately, when I think about Judd Apatow movies, I’ve fallen into the habit of thinking about movies in which actors who frequently appear in Judd Apatow movies also appear. Like, when I think of Judd Apatow, I think about The 40-Year-Old Virgin, yes, but I also think about, say, Observe and Report. Or Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Or Accepted. Or even 17 Again. A few weeks ago I was flipping channels and came across The Object of My Affection and I watched the end credits to make sure Mr. Apatow wasn’t listed among the writers. (He wasn’t. That was before even Freaks & Geeks.)
The problem with this habit is that it makes me forget that actual Judd Apatow movies tend to be really good. The 40-Year-Old Virgin was one of the best movies of 2005. And, although some of my fellow feminist moviegoers have argued that that movie, along with Knocked Up, ushered in an era of anti-woman comedy, I would argue that the real anti-woman movies like Observe and Report and its friends are in a league all their own. The female characters in actual Judd Apatow movies are fully developed and compelling (I mean, come on, they’re played by people like Leslie Mann and Catherine Keener, for crying out loud.)
Which is all to say that Funny People is a very good movie. It’s amusing, it’s touching, and it’s interesting. It’s about the same kind of guys Apatow always makes movies about, but it’s got a very genuine story to it. You might not like these people, but you can’t help caring about them.
Seth Rogen plays Ira, a young would-be Jerry Seinfeld, who works days at a supermarket and does stand-up at night, for free, in an improv club. Adam Sandler’s character, George, is an extremely famous and successful comedian who’s just been diagnosed with a probably fatal form of leukemia. George offers Ira $1500 a week to be his assistant/writer/friend, and hilarity, pathos, and lots of meta references ensue.
Much is made, for example, of Rogen’s character having recently lost a lot of weight. Adam Sandler is playing a character who, fame-wise if not personality-wise, is very much like Adam Sandler. Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, and Jason Schwartzman are playing characters whose situations were probably something like their actors’ not that long ago. And it’s also one of those spot-the-cameos movies where you know that, say, Sarah Silverman is going to show up at some point, and that when she does, it’s going to be awesome. And then she does, and it is. But my favorite cameo featured a rapper whose name I won’t reveal because the surprise was the best part.
All that meta-stuff gets a little head-spinning, but in a good way. And yeah, sometimes it distracts from the story, especially when it’s mocking Adam Sandler’s earlier movies. But for the most part it’s fun ? an added bonus in what would already have been an engrossing and entertaining story. Overall, it’s the best movie I’ve seen in a long time.
And finally, an FYI to the faint of heart: The movie’s rated R for extremely raunchy dialogue and one gratuitous nude scene. Be warned.
This movie is a great example of a very talented writer/director/actor growing up in his craft. Kudos to Apatow (and to Sandler, in his least annoying and most gratifying role) for not being afraid to keep the humor good-hearted and natural.
(Final Destination, Seattle, WA)
We saw this on opening weekend. It was good, but in a sad way. There were some laugh out loud moments, but overall, I left the movie feeling a little down about Adam’s story- not the comedy you’d expect from the actor/director combo.
Melanie
(Final Destination, Tigard, OR)
I thought the movie was great. It was good to see judd apatow transition from a strictly comedy film. Looking for more movies that are similar to this from Apatow.
(Final Destination, Novi, MI).
Another Adam Sandler Bomb, I wish he would start making good movies again.
Final Destination, Merriam, KS
I absolutely love Adam Sandlers movies. He trully is an excellent actor not just comedian.
(Final Destination, San Diego, Ca)
I saw it on opening weekend. I think its the best work Sandler has done. There is definitely an oscar/golden glove nom. in the air for him and J.A.
(Final Destination – New York)
I saw it on opening weekend. I think its the best work Sandler has done. There is definitely an oscar/golden glove nom. in the air for him and J.A.
It was really funny, but a bit long no? It started to drown me out towards the end.
(Final Destination, Los Angeles)
I really want to go see this movie! I love Adam Sandler and it looks very funny!
(Final Destination, Chicago, IL)
I generally go for action but once in a while comedy….but comedies usually makes a dvd night for me….definitely something I would watch later…. (Final Destination, New York)
This movie was hands down hilarious….for the first hour and a half….the hour following was just not so entertaining…a little too dramatic. (Final Destination, San Francisco).
This movie was hands down hilarious….for the first hour and a half….the hour following was just not so entertaining…a little too dramatic.
Funny people’s title could easily have been “Weird people”. I find the movie was kinda sappy. It dragged at times especially with the many sad moments that are interspersed throughout the movie. I’d expected more laugh. It is more of a drama comedy.
Spot on review. The Rapper cameo was one of the highlights for me. Also Aziz Ansari was great in it. He definitely should have a got a bit more screen time. Take away time from the Marin County storyline and add more stand up. I felt the 3rd act dragged a little bit.
“The Time Travelers Wife, San Francisco.”