DeniDVD Vault: Funny People (2009) - Adam Sandler
June 12th 2010 04:15
Funny People gets better and better each time I watch it. George Simmons is a famous actor/comedian, who is a prisoner of his fame by choice, he's self-absorbed, lonely, cut off from family and friends and he lives in a big monstrosity of a house in Los Angeles, surrounded only by the grounds keepers who work effortlessly to preserve the gardens filled roses. Almost immediately after we meet him, he is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and is informed that the traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation would be unlikely to help him, so he instead opts for experimental treatments with an 8% chance for success.
Falling into depression he starts looking at old tapes of his earlier days as a stand-up comedian. He was young and everything was fresh and less jaded. Those were happier times untouched by the damaging effects of Hollywood and the lure of fame and fortune and all the trappings of
Sandler and Rogan
Here's a unique situation where George Simmons meets his younger self in Ira Wright. Ira is everything George used to be before the trappings of his success forever changed his outlook on life into bitter cynicism and perhaps that's why
Mann, Sandler, and Bana
And then something funny happens - a miracle. It appears that the experimental treatment is working and George has been given a second chance - a new lease on life. Does he learn from his experience or does he go back to being the
Hill, Schwartzman, and Rogan
When the old George threatens to reveal himself again, it's Ira who takes a chance and reminds him of the gift he's been given, some lessons are hard to take more than others. Seth Rogan is lovable as Ira Wright and I'm so happy that he's able to pull off a character where he's not the usual obnoxious pig with a potty mouth. I enjoy my share of raunchy jokes but there are times when it's overkill. His Ira is a gentle soul with a heart of gold and while he has a profound effect on his mentor, his time with George also left and indelible mark on Ira who grows to be more confident. Rogan's performance is sweet and his character's growth is subtle.
Adam Sandler gives a flawless performance as George Simmons, a conflicted, selfish, and miserable man all hidden under the the exterior of a comedian, who's job it is make people laugh. This movie cleverly explores the difficult process of being a comedian and all the insecurities that go with it. Like Rogan, he plays his character growth more subtle and contemplative with a touch of rebellion - a very smart performance.
The supporting cast is marvelous from Jonah Hill's cocky turn as comedian Leo Koenig to Jason Schwartzman as semi successful actor, Mark Taylor Jackson, both friends/room-mates of Ira. Leslie Mann is great as Laura but the show stealer, in my opinion, is Eric Bana. I used to think it was too bad that he didn't have much of a part in this film but now I think this was a wise move, his screen time is perfect. His performance was nothing less than brilliant as Clarke, the handsome and sometimes goofy and gregarious Australian husband of Laura who loves his footy games and his family and is not ashamed to show his sensitive side. There was no other way to play Clarke, especially since his character had to deflect any barbs made by George.
Overall this was an enjoyable film, and it's definitely worth a watch. Judd Apataow did an outstanding job with direction and the cinematography was fabulous. It's definitely worth the time watching on a rainy day.
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Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Sorry to disagree with you again :-b
And whats with the trailer totally giving away the whole story??
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
I don't know what it is exactly you are disagreeing with me on but anyhow, I didn't feel the length of the movie because I found all of it entertaining and I thought it all added to the message of the story which was well worth it. I think I went in expecting a serious character study - more drama than comedy and I pretty much got out of it what I expected. It didn't disappoint.
But as you say, to each his own.
As for the trailer? Well it's not a new movie - so I'm guessing it doesn't really matter.
Cheers,