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Funny People: A Situational Comedy Worth Seeing August 11th, 2009 Posted by Hunter Wilson
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Comedy is not for everyone, and as an avid movie-goer, I certainly understand that. Yet, a new form of movies have emerged which provide a comedic look at what are otherwise dramatic situations, i.e. situational comedies. Some of new situational comedies are much more than what they appear to be on the surface. Such a comedy is Judd Apatow’s new offering, Funny People. In this situational comedy, Apatow chronicles what may be the unfunniest topic ever, i.e. death, and in doing so, shows his skill as a master story taker by doing just what he sets out to do: make an inventive and enthralling situational comedy.
Spearheaded by the talented Adam Sandler who proved he has what it takes to helm a dramatic offering when serving as the leading man in Spanglish, Funny People takes a look at how those introspective people known as comedians handle life in all its glory: the good, the bad and the ugly. The title character played by Sandler (George Simmons) has his life changed after receiving a diagnosis of imminent death. Not sure how to proceed with the living of his life with so little time left, Simmons is placed in the untenable position of having to examine just what his life has amounted to after many years in show business.

Despite the fame, women, and money, George realizes throughout the movie that regardless of his material possessions he has little to show in terms of love or even that laughter which he provides to his audiences. In fact, Apatow’s script highlights just how empty George’s life is void of real relationships, even void of simple friendships simply because George only seeks his own self-gratification at the expense of any who comes to care for him.

Enter Ira Wright, as played by the hilarious Seth Rogan, a honest but struggling would be comedian who just isn’t that funny because he hasn’t mastered life much less being a funny person. After a chance meeting, Ira Wright joins George on his journey of self-awareness as the “friend”/assistant who serves as the perfect foil to point out further how George’s choices have ultimately led him to the point at which he finds himself. Moreover, it is through George that Ira begins to see that he can take control of his life instead of living on the sidelines, and in doing so, he finds the laughter he needs to go from wanting to be funny to actually being a funny person.

Throughout the film, Apatow adeptly highlights the stark reality of George’s life in creative ways that are ultimately very funny based on the uncomfortable and sometimes intense situations in which George and Ira find themselves involved. Look for Apatow’s real life wife, Leslie Mann, cast as George’s former love that upon being reintroduced into George’s life is better able to face her own life which includes her unfaithful husband, played by a surprisingly entertaining Eric Bana, who seems far removed from the intensity he displayed in the Hulk as is humanely possible. With cameo appearances by the likes of Paul Reiser, Ray Romano and even Marshall Mathers (the Real Slim Shady), Apatow’s film provides just the right mix of laughs and drama that make you laugh instantly but even better keep you thinking long after the film is over. In fact, on a larger level, the film could be seen as a societal commentary on how behind the lives of those who regale us with one-liners there are real human beings who face the same hurdles we do.

If you enjoy laughing and don’t mind a little bit of drama sprinkled in for future musings, then this is definitely a must see. For those who might not otherwise seek out this film, remember that often the best things come in unexpected packages, and this movie delivers on many levels.

Critic’s Rating:

Definitely a Must See–3 crowns
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Hunter Wilson
Owner, CarolinaNightlife.com1 Posts
Charles is the Executive Director of Carolina Nightlife and very involved in the nightlife industry in NC and SC. He has been working with venues of all sizes, different brands and products, and countless events across NC and SC for over 8 years.