...
Indeed, Apatow has either produced or directed almost all of the comedy hits of recent years, with his CV reading like the DVD collection of most lovers of laughter: Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, Knocked Up, Superbad, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Forgetting Sarah ... Read review
Judd Apatow rounds up the usual suspects--Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, and Jonah ... more
Hill--for his third feature as a director. In FUNNY PEOPLE, a popular comedian comes far closer to death than he had every imagined. The comedy also stars Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman, and RZA.
Judd Apatow rounds up the usual suspects--Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, and Jonah ... more
Hill--for his third feature as a director. In FUNNY PEOPLE, a popular comedian comes far closer to death than he had every imagined. The comedy also stars Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman, and RZA.
Lee Perry is arguably the most influential force in Jamaican music. This book delves ... more
behind the myth of Perry to give an examination of his life and work through interviews with family members, fellow artists, friends, lovers, enemies, as well as the man himself to present a portrait of a unique soul driven by unseen spiritual forces.
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Comedy - Director: Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Carol Cleveland, Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones
Production Year: 2004 - Comedy - Director: John Hay - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jimi Mistry, Kate Miles, Dougray Scott
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Advantages: actors Disadvantages: plot is up and down
...Brothers, Pineapple Express, and now Funny People can be added to that list.
‘Funny People’ tells the story of George Simmons (Sandler), a famous comic actor who lives the dream of riches, fame and adoration. When he finds out he is suffering from a fatal illness he hires uknown comic Ira Wright (Rogen), to write his stand-up material. As the two bond, the role develops into much more, with Ira becoming confidante, friend, personal ... ...perfected the art of being funny and drawing empathy from the audience at the same time. For me, it was the film ‘Click’ that gave him the chance to make the transition from out and out funny man to serious actor too. In ‘Funny Man’, he gives a strong performance that is at once both funny and serious. A powerful critique of the world of showbiz and celebrity, you can’t help but flit between love and hate for him as the film progresses.
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In today’s world of movie comedy you seemingly have to be overweight with a Jew-fro to get anywhere, as the incredibly talented Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill lead the new world order. Gone are the Frat Pack of Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, with their sophomoric brand of laughter, and in their place comes the comedy of super director Judd Apatow, a clever combination of vulgarity and sensitivity.
Indeed, Apatow has either produced or directed almost all of the comedy hits of recent years, with his CV reading like the DVD collection of most lovers of laughter: Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, Knocked Up, Superbad, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Step Brothers, Pineapple Express, and now Funny People can be added to that list.
‘Funny People’ tells the story of George Simmons (Sandler), a famous comic actor who lives the dream of riches, fame and adoration. When he finds out he is suffering from a fatal illness he hires uknown comic Ira Wright (Rogen), to write his stand-up material. As the two bond, the role develops into much more, with Ira becoming confidante, friend, personal assistant and more to the weary comedian. When George decides to pursue his ex-girlfriend Laura (Leslie Mann), Ira does everything he can to stop him, and the friendship between the two is stretched to its limits.
Hollywood comedy seems to be doing something new lately. I first noticed it in ‘I Love you Man’, and ‘Funny People’ follows suit. Both of these movies focus on male friendship for the first half, then somewhat awkwardly become romantic comedies in the second half. The reason for this, I believe, is to try and appeal to both male and female audiences. Films like ‘Superbad’ are out and out vulgar comedies, with hilarious and bizarre situations and dialogue filling the whole thing. Yes, romance is there, but it’s really nothing more than a vehicle to showcase the comedy. These films have done very well at the box-office, but seem to leave the majority of female audiences cold; without any romance, or strong female characters, these films can come across as little more than boyish pranks and humour. On the other hand, romantic comedy seems to be a genre that only attracts women these days. In the old days, men would enjoy ’50 First Dates’ because Adam Sandler was funny, and put up with the mushy stuff, but now they’re not buying it. Films like ‘Knocked Up’, whilst very funny, failed to connect with many male viewers, who found it too lovey-dovey. The new concept, then, is to make a film that is essentially two separate movies. The first half will be a boyish comedy, centering around male comradery and pranks ala Superbad. Then, for the girls, a romantic storyline will take over and close the show. The result is a film that struggles to be categorised, and leaves the viewer happy, but unsure what the key point of the film was. Apatow explains himself by saying "I like movies that are, you know, uplifting and hopeful...and I like filth!” Well, you certainly get all of that in this film.
Acting-wise, this is a stellar film. First up, Adam Sandler has perfected the art of being funny and drawing empathy from the audience at the same time. For me, it was the film ‘Click’ that gave him the chance to make the transition from out and out funny man to serious actor too. In ‘Funny Man’, he gives a strong performance that is at once both funny and serious. A powerful critique of the world of showbiz and celebrity, you can’t help but flit between love and hate for him as the film progresses.
Seth Rogen has sometimes struggled with the lead role in a film (see ‘Pineapple Express’ or the more recent ‘Observe and Report’), but in ‘Funny People’ he plays second fiddle to Sandler, in a role that plays on his biggest strengths. The big thing about Rogen is the way he evokes sympathy so easily; his cuddly, unconfident persona is again put to good use here, but he’s not without his brilliant moments. He plays a role that develops and strengthens throughout the film, and goes on an interesting and important journey along the way.
Jonah Hill has a fun role as a supporting act with half a dozen scenes. I really like him, and his moments are so relaxed and casually hilarious that it’s clear he’s a superstar in the making.
Two other roles stand out. First up is Leslie Mann as the female love interest Laura. I enjoyed her roles in ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘Seventeen Again’, and here she gives another great showing. Her stereotypical character is an attractive, slightly older woman with plenty of guts, and she employs that role well in this film.
Finally, a surprise entrance three quarters of the way through the film comes in the appearance of Eric Bana. The star of ‘Chopper’ couldn’t be more different in this film, playing the over-emotional husband in a performance that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Add to that some hilarious cameos from the likes of Eminem and Andy Dick, and you’re talking about one of the strongest casts in a comedy film, ever.
To be honest, the story isn’t the strongest thing about this film. It struggles with pace issues, with the momentum sagging when it switches over to ‘rom-com’ mode, but the stellar cast bring it through. The first half ios an ‘in joke’, paying homage to the grass roots of stand-up comedy in sleazy clubs, and making your way up through the industry. It’s full of dirty jokes and laddish banter. The second half is the rom-com, with Simmons pursuing his ex-girlfriend. It’s still funny, but the emphasis on on the lurve, and for me it lost direction here.
At 146 minutes, it’s a tad too long, and I can’t help but wish they made their mind up and stuck to one storyline. You leave wondering how you would explain the film, considering so much happens. As I have already said, the strength of the cast and their performances save the film, but I am in agreement with the IMDB rating of 7.6/10 for this one.
Advantages: Funny, Entertaining, Good Story, Adam Sandler! Disadvantages: Slightly long, Some jokes can offend
...it was too long, not funny and one of Adam Sandler’s worst films ever, which I found quite difficult to believe since Adam Sandler is one of my favourite actors, and I only have 2 favourites. So I was very reluctant to watch this film because, 1 - I didn’t want to see Adam Sandler not being entertaining, and 2 – I didn’t want to waste 2.30 hours watching a film that wasn’t funny, because I hate not finishing a film, even if it is long and rubbish. ... ...dying, it is actually quite funny as it shows how George works around it and him and Ira doing the stand ups are quite amusing. ===Review=== Seeing Seth Rogen is quite a few bad films in the last few months like Pineapple Express and Observe and Report, I wasn’t expecting much of a performance, in fact I thought he was a minimal supporting character, instead of the supporting lead, but I was glad to see that both Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen were ...
Shellshocker 15.12.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Funny People
Advantages: Light hearted.Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen Disadvantages: Thin plot.out of focus story.too long
I was apprehensive about watching this film after I heard bad things about Sandler's last film Bedtime stories. To me Adam Sandler is a genre by himself(Ok,don't get me wrong here but all I mean to say is that his films have hidden meanings beneath the layers of comedy) Directed by Judd Apatow(Knocked Up,40 Year Old Virgin) it tells the story of comedian George Simmons who comes to know he is suffering from leukemia.Knowing he has limited time left, ... ...back to do stand up comedy and sees new talent in Ira(Seth Rogen),whom he offers a job as his assistant. The film then progresses to show us how George decides to live his final days and how his friendship with Ira changes him personally.The last half gives ample space to George's interaction with his ex-girlfriend who is married and has two kids. From the writing point of view,the basic plot is thin and the writers try hard to make lots of single ...
aadnan613 19.11.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Funny People
Advantages: Some funny moments from Bana, Rogen and Sandler Disadvantages: Too long and stodgy
...from the Apatow/Rogen stable is Funny People, and with previous credits such as The 40-year old virgin and knocked up this film has a lot to live up to for me. So does Funny People cut it? Well I've seen it and I'm still not really quite sure! The film follows the story of George Simmons (Adam Sandler), stand-up comedian turned Hollywood megastar who is diagnosed with what he believes is terminal luekemia. On this discovery he decides to get back ... ...But while the film is funny it nowhere near hits the heights of usual Apatow offerings. The film is seriously encumbered by the sort of drama side - I went expecting a bit of silliness from this film but it was really quite depressing in places. There are some decent performances from Rogen and Bana and the usually affable Sandler does well to make his character so thoroughly unlikeable. I enjoyed Bana's performance but Leslie Mann as Laura was a ...
laukez88 16.11.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Funny People
Advantages: great cast, good one liners, good hospital scene Disadvantages: poor stand up comedy, the main charactor didnt seam to grow or change in any way
...In steps Seth Rogan (brilliantly funny man of Knocked Up) he is there to encourage Sandler to tell his family and to make up for mistakes of the past. Funny People has a fantastic, well known cast and in theory should be a light comedy with a sad side,. Unfortunatly Adam Sandler dosnt actually appear to change that much so the story isnt that rewarding. Although it does have scenes of stand up comedy and jokes throughout, it isnt actually that funny. ...
xClairebarnesx 07.09.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Funny People
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Advantages: Funny One Liners! Disadvantages: Dragged on a bit too much , Plot
Last night my friend and I went on yet another trip to the cinema! This time we went to see the film ' FunnyPeople' at our local cinema. We arrived at the cinema ten minutes before the film , paid our £4.20 and went to choose a seat! We were the first ones in the cinema , so we had to choice of about sixty seats ; our local cinema is quite basic (it's nothing compared to the cineworld cinema we usually go to , but it is cheaper and usually a lot quieter). At one point we wondered if we would have our 'very own private screening' as the film started at 7:20pm and we were the only two in there ; however a few minutes later we were joined by five others!
FunnyPeople is an American comedy film released in the United Kingdom on 28th August 2009. This film was written and directed by Judd Apatow who also directed The 40 Year Old Virgin ...
Advantages: Funny, sensitive, I love Seth Rogen Disadvantages: Could do with being a bit shorter
a minimum while George struggles to come to terms with his condition and the fact that he has made a mess of his life. I suppose it depends what you want to get out of the film, but I suspect that it will appeal more to those in their thirties and above rather than a younger audience.
As well as the sexual humour, there are a couple of sex scenes - involving George, poor Ira doesn't get any - and although not terribly graphic, they are very crude. We had been considering sneaking my friend's ten year old daughter in (we were literally the only people in the cinema!), but were incredibly glad afterwards that we didn't - it really would not have been appropriate, even though I doubt that she would have understood much of the sexual jokes. The rating is 15 and I think that it is definitely needed - in some respects, it perhaps ought to be an 18 ...
Advantages: Get to see a fat Paltrow and its got JACK Black in it! Disadvantages: If you are going to take the mick out of handicapped, why dont you make it funny!
Judd Apatow rounds up the usual suspects--Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, and Jonah Hill--for his third feature as a director. In FUNNY PEOPLE, a popular comedian comes far closer to death than he had every imagined. The comedy also stars Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman, and RZA.
Release details
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UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK
Languages
Main Language
English
Technical information
Sound
Dolby Digital
Professional reviews
Review
A more mature but still funny Judd Apatow comedy... (Hollywood Reporter, 03/08/2009)
Amusing and engaging (Variety, 03/08/2009)
DVD Description
Judd Apatow (40 YEAR OLD VORGIN) casts his former real-life roommate Adam Sandler as George Simmons, a comic superstar who learns in the movie's opening scene that he suffers from a rare blood disorder that will likely kill him within a year. This news gives him the impulse to go back out and work on his stand-up, something he hasn't done in years thanks to the massive success of his movie career. At a club, he meets struggling stand-up Ira Wright (Seth Rogen, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS), takes a shine to him, and hires the young man both to write jokes and to be his personal assistant. Ira, who's been sleeping on a friend's pull-out couch and working a day job at a deli, enjoys the glimpse into the superstar lifestyle, but soon the protégé discovers how selfish and egocentric his mentor really is.
