DVD Review — Funny People

Judd Apatow ("The 40-Year Old Virgin", "Knocked Up"), while sticking to his 'no boundaries' comedy shtick, has taken a brave leap into the realm of dramatic filmmaking with "Funny People," but it seems he has slipped a bit on his landing. In the dangerous world of 'tragicomedies,' plots can often stray from and even hamper with the integrity of the story's main purpose.

In this case Adam Sandler, in a role that seems to have been written specifically for him, represents famous comedian George Simmons who has everything and yet has nothing, especially when he learns of the cancer that will be ending his life sooner than expected. In an attempt to get back to what he really enjoys doing (stand-up) he realizes he doesn't have what it takes anymore, but is accosted by Ira (Seth Rogen), a young comic who's routine he sees promise in. Hiring Ira as his new writer, the two begin to spend a lot of time together as Simmons cannot bear to be alone anymore.

When the news of George's illness gets out his family makes an effort to reconnect, but their estrangement has been too long and it would prove too painful. At the same time, his old girlfriend Laura checks in on him, obviously still having feelings for him despite being happily married with two daughters. At this point (an hour into the film), the plot starts to veer unnecessarily off track into useless melodrama.

Clocking in at a total of 146 minutes, "Funny People" does not provide enough laughs or convincing drama to keep the viewer satisfied for that long (I'd cut out at least a half-hour), but perhaps we can give Mr. Apatow a break this time around. In his first real attempt to flesh out his lasting talents as a filmmaker (a two and a half hour-long comedy!?) he reveals what could amount to a realistic friendship. A common man willing to do anything for success and another seeking some semblance of true happiness before it's too late sounds corny, but in this iteration it thoroughly entertains. Through this transition they learn a lot about themselves, and with most satisfying characters in movies, that is really all you need.

A shaky start for sure, but we may yet see more polished work from Mr. Apatow in the future. Who knows? Woody Allen started off breaking boundaries of sensitivity in comedy and slowly became a master at his craft.