JIM reviews film “FUNNY PEOPLE” – "Let the Awkwardness begin!" =

Printer-friendly versionE-mail page to friendPDF version

“FUNNY PEOPLE” – “Let the Awkwardness begin!” =

Rating: 8.5 of 10 stars (based on an advance preview).

The “awkwardness” phrase is a line from the film that accurately describes what’s about to happen at a certain point in the life of standup comedian George Simmons (ADAM SANDLER). When he learns he’s developed a usually-fatal illness, his onstage cheerfulness at a comedy club starts becoming very “dark”— as commented on by hopeful comedian Ira (SETH ROGEN), who’s living a difficult life rooming with 2 friends— minor TV star Mark (JASON SCHWARTZMAN) and a more highly-regarded up-&-coming comedian Leo (JONAH HILL).

At a club, Adam hears a routine by Seth & invites him to WRITE for him & become his personal assistant at his home (which Seth does). As he gets sicker, Adam gets in contact with ex-girlfriend Laura (LESLIE MANN) & tries to re-ignite a relationship with her tho she’s married with 2 kids. There are numerous scenes of writing and performing stand-up, with a bunch of FUNNY elements (usually R-rated & frequently concerning the male anatomy). One of the lines fitting that description is Seth saying, “For the last time, stop calling me ‘Rhino’!” When you see it, you’ll understand why it’s so funny!

Please understand, I found this mainly a DRAMEDY that’s really more DRAMA about the “business” of making a show of Comedy. There are a number of cameos by famous comedians & Eminem, but it’s the main stars that really “carry” this movie. While 1 audience member said she found the movie sort of “boring”, I (& most others I spoke to) found it a FASCINATING & unusually WELL-DONE commentary on growing up & older, and illuminating how some people deal with illness & major changes in their lives. I felt this was the BEST work I’ve seen by Adam & Seth. While there’s a large helping of nuttiness, it’s a more “controlled” & “sober” comedy than we’ve seen before by Judd Apatow.