THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
Funny People staring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann could be the “bromance” of the summer. Directed by Judd Apatow, Funny People is both hilarious and serious. As the trailer reviles, George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is a famous comedian who discovers he has a slim chance of living another year. George hires (and befriends) Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) to write jokes for him after watching him perform stand-up.
After finding out he’s going to die, George returns to stand-up comedy. He and Ira work as a team, Ira both writes jokes for and opens for George. George tells his former girlfriend, Laura (Leslie Mann) about his sickness which leads to a road of both romance and pain.
In a turn of events, George is relieved to find he has a probable chance of surviving. He and Ira go to his Laura’s house following a stand-up show to celebrate his wellness. There, George and Laura confess their love for each other.
But this love is tested when Laura’s Australian husband, Clarke, returns from a business trip early. Laura tells George she’s going to kick Clarke out of her life, but Ira rushes to the airport (where she and Clarke are) to stop her. Before Ira gets there, Clarke and Laura have decided to stay together.
George finds out that Ira tried to stop Laura from kicking out Clarke. George says that Ira and him were never friends and fires him. Six months go by and George sees Ira performing stand-up again. He goes to the deli Ira works at and offers Ira some tips. To Ira’s amazement, George wrote down dozens of jokes Ira could perform. The camera zooms out and that’s the end.
In the end, I would give Funny People a 4 out of 5. The trailer makes it look a little funnier than it is. It’s a little longer than I think it needs to be. There are a few dull parts, but the comedy makes up for that. All-in-all it’s a good film for anyone with a mature sense of humor.
It’s already rumored there will be a spin-off featuring the character Randy (Aziz Ansari). Funny People has guest appearances by Norm MacDonald, Sarah Silverman, James Taylor, Andy Dick, Eminem, Ray Romano and many more.
You forgot Dave Attell.
That really wasn’t that much a review as it was just a plot outline.
Oh and, Eric Bana stole the show.
I enjoyed your review. I agree in most part. It was a very very long movie and most comedy’s are not that long. But when there was a funny part it was indeed very funny. I liked James Taylor and Tom. Even if Myspace is dead. You should see and review the Ugly Truth with Gerard Butler and Katherine Heigl. It has a nice cameo by Craig Ferguson. Yep Yep.
comedies*
So I tried to ad a “Gravatar” but I don’t know if it worked…?