Funny People

Release Year: 2009
Review: I was able to see an early screening of this film, so my review is based on a cut which may be different than the one that is released. 'Funny People' is one of those comedies with a heart. So often lesser comedies just go with the obvious joke, immature physical humor, or anything else for a quick laugh. Judd Apatow has been among a few filmmakers changing the expectations of comedies, elevating them to more than just mindless entertainment. With this latest film Apatow continues to push the bar higher, turning in one of his best films yet. About Ira (Seth Rogen), a struggling young comedian just starting out befriending the aging, disenchanted star George Simmons (Adam Sandler). After coming down with a rare, terminal, illness George is forced to reevaluate his life and the choices he has made. The film toes the line of becoming sappy, but it never gets too sentimental. It remains hilarious throughout and filled with some of the funniest people in the industry showcasing what they do best. Rogen breaks from his normal routine and plays a different kind of character much more akin to his role in 'Freak and Geeks' than anything he has done since and Sandler delivers what is probably his best performance ever. This is a nicely rounded comedy, which is full of original humor, genuine heart and believable acting and it puts most other comedies released this year to shame.
Rating: 5/5