Funny People (2009)

O Masterpiece

O Excellent

O Good

X OK

O Mediocrity

O Avoid

Review by Jason Pyles / July 31, 2009

Movie previews seem to either reveal too much, or they mislead our expectations. The trailer for “Funny People” does the latter because it suggests a hilarious film fueled by stand-up routines of proven comedians, like Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill.

“Funny People” is disappointing, as it is only occasionally humorous — never side-splitting — and overall, just OK.

Now, I realize my lukewarm verdict will amount to blasphemy for some fans, since we’re talking about a film by Judd Apatow, whose cinematic batting average is nearly as consistent as Pixar’s, in terms of viewer appeal. You’ll remember Apatow’s comedic handiwork from “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Knocked Up.”

“Funny People” sporadically sprinkles mediocre clips of stand-up acts, like we’ve seen on “Seinfeld,” but the film doesn’t revolve around comedy club performers or their scene. In fact, rather than amusement, the predominant tone of “Funny People” is unhappiness.

And why wouldn’t the mood be dismal, since the movie begins with George Simmons (Adam Sandler) getting devastating news that he has a form of leukemia and a grim prognosis. Simmons is a successful comedian-movie star who has earned his clout by paying his dues, trudging up through the ranks of the comedy club circuit.

Sandler’s Simmons character is unmistakably parallel to Sandler himself. Like Sandler, Simmons has starred in a host of moronic movies, where he plays idiotic characters with idiotic voices. (Because “Funny People” features a successful star in an unflattering, autobiographical role, I was reminded of “JCVD,” an uncomfortable film where Jean-Claude Van Damme plays a half-real, compromising version of himself.)

Counterpoint to the Sandler character we have Ira Wright (Seth Rogen), a young and ambitious comedian who, along with his pals, is trying to break into show business. Simmons’ celebrity status requires him to play various publicity events, but he doesn’t feel as funny after learning of his illness, so he hires Wright as his assistant and joke-writer.

The first half of “Funny People” involves the relationship of the two contrasting comedians; the second half seems like a new film altogether, as Simmons tries to right his wrongs and win back his lost love.

Although “Funny People” was written and directed by Apatow, its plot gives the impression that Sandler is symbolically “handing over the reins” to the likes of Rogen, Hill and Apatow. For the past 20 years or so — particularly in the ‘90s — we’ve had Saturday Night Live character movies and Happy Madison productions. Now Sandler and his cronies are passing the torch to a new generation of funny people.

Directed by Judd Apatow

Adam Sandler / Seth Rogen / Jonah Hill

Comedy / Drama 146 min.

MPAA: R (for language and crude sexual humor throughout, and some sexuality)