Funny People (2009)

Director: Judd Apatow

Cast: Adam Sandler as George Simmons, Seth Rogen as Ira Wright, Leslie Mann as Laura, Eric Bana as Clarke, Jonah Hill as Leo Koenig, Jason Schwartzman as Mark Taylor Jackson, Aubrey Plaza as Daisy, Maude Apatow as Mable, Iris Apatow as Ingrid, RZA as Chuck, Aziz Ansari as Randy, Torsten Voges as Dr. Lars, Allan Wasserman as Dr. Stevens, Rod Man as Himself, Wayne Federman as Comedy & Magic Manager

Judd Apatow has such a proud back catalogue of comedy hits, proving his
talents as both a director and produce But it's difficult to live up to
your fans expectations with such a grand reputation, but Funny People
this time, is just a little different. A Poster of Adam Sandler, Seth
Rogan and Leslie Mann is all you need to sell a movie like this. And
with good reason. Adam Sandler proves he can deliver a solid
performance and Seth Rogan doesn't have to be stoned out his mind in
every single roll. Performances and cameos are definitely are what
carry, this other wise uneven train wreck of a dilemma. Co-stars such
as Jason Schwartzman, Jonah Hill and Eric Bana also bring this up to a
level that is bearable. There are also little touches here that make
the movie quite likable, like how the plot reflects Sandler's actual
career and how Hollywood often spoofs itself in the most delightful of
ways. Also spoofing HBO's many dire sitcoms, was genius.

Funny People is dark, serious, then it's light and immature, jumping
from funny to dramatic in such a dash that it's uncomfortable. Chuckles
here and there, but it focuses on all the emotional background and
that's when film sort of fails. The movie runs way too long and half an
hour off the running time would really do it some favours. Funny People
is just kind of a mess and although it doesn't stink of boredom
,nothing here is particularity that interesting and it can't surpass
the quality of Apatow's other better efforts.

Overall- Funny People is carried by some great performances and is
enlightened by a few shiny polishes, but it's mainly a uneven,
uninteresting and for the most part quite unfunny movie that can't
surpass the quality of Apatow's more recent efforts. Still, not a
scratch on his reputation.

5/10 2.5 out of 5

Simpson Reviews