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.
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
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
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
xClairebarnesx 07.09.2009 ·
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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
xClairebarnesx 07.09.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Funny People
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!
mediacentral 15.02.2003 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
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