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Every couple of years, Adam Sandler decides he doesn’t want to be Adam Sandler and makes a serious movie. This usually gets a positive critical response, but his fans haven’t caught up with his solemn side.
Sandler may finally get a chance to have his cinematic cake and eat it too. Written and directed by old roommate Judd Apatow, "Funny People" showcases the comic at his most hilarious and his most serious.
And the film happens to be quite good.
George Simmons (Sandler), a successful comedian/movie star, has less than a year to live. Hitting the comedy clubs again, he meets the struggling Ira Wright (Seth Rogen), whom he hires as a writer and personal assistant. The two form a close bond, with George helping Ira hone his comedy persona and Ira helping George become a better person.
When I heard Apatow ("The 40-Year Old Virgin," "Knocked Up") would be directing Sandler, it gave me goosebumps. The thought of these two comedy heavyweights and old friends knocking around ideas had serious potential. The results were more than satisfactory.
Many people, James L. Brooks and Garry Marshall come to mind, try to combine the serious and the funny with mixed results. Although "Funny People" is more comedy than drama, it certainly has its share of heavy moments. Apatow, who is known for comedies, acquits himself well in this area.
But, as the title suggests, "Funny People" works best when its tickling your funny bone. The humor ranges from mild slapstick to well-placed barbs and even manages a laugh out of a trash-talking James Taylor playing himself. Apatow and Sandler also get to lampoon Hollywood as we see clips from George’s movies. Again, many try this, but Apatow is a natural and the spoofs are hilarious.
Sandler essentially is playing himself, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Many times I wondered if I wasn’t seeing the real Sandler on screen. Rogen also does very well in a part that could easily have been overshadowed by the star.
"Funny People" is the perfect movie for people who like their comedies with a little meat on them.
Funny People
R
Three-and-a-half reels out of four
In area theaters now
I Love You, Man
R
Available Tuesday
Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) is pretty normal as guys go. He’s got a good job and is about to marry the very beautiful Zooey (Rashida Jones). There’s one problem: Peter doesn’t have any guy friends.
Fearing this will hinder marital bliss, Peter goes on a quest for a best pal. After several botched attempts, he finds Sydney (Jason Segel), a funny, seemingly competent financial adviser. Turns out, Sydney is quite the handful and puts Peter through his paces.
