Funny People (2009)

[to Doctor who looks like Alexander Gudonov] – Are you mad that you died at the end of Die Hard? – George Simmons

Number of Times Seen – Twice (18 Nov 2009 and 2 Nov 2021)

Brief Synopsis – When a successful comedian finds out that he is dying, he hires a novice comedian to be his assistant.

My Take on it – Great film that works on various levels.

I am usually not a fan of Adam Sandler films but this one was able to do something that most of the others couldn’t and that was bring something to the forefront that is both funny and poignant in its message.

Judd Apatow wrote this film and the main role for Sandler and he really excels here in showing the kind of lifestyle a popular comedian could have especially when he has very little cares in the world.

Seth Rogan is also great as the co-lead and shows that even when Sandler is in the shot, he can also stand out.

The movie also lets the viewer see the kind of lonesome existence that some people choose for themselves and one day wake up realizing that that isn’t truly what they want.

Since the film is all about comedians, they are able to have the characters do “sets” throughout which can be quite humorous especially when they show the contrasts between their real lives and their lives on the stage.

The film has a great lesson about life and living it in a certain way and it definitely comes across as being even more profound and powerful due to that.

The supporting cast of this movie is also great and is filled with so many Apatow alumni who helps keep the comedic atmosphere of it all.

The one slight problem with this film is that it’s a bit too long at 2.5 hours and if they would have made it trimmer, it might have been even better.

Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – The opening video with the prank calls is a real video shot by Judd Apatow when he and Adam Sandler were younger. The two other people appearing in this video are Janeane Garofalo and Ben Stiller. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (8/10)