Funny People

"Funny People" is not a comedy. "Funny People" is a drama which focuses upon the mentality of professional comics, which can also be extrapolated to be an examination of the way we all use humor as a coping mechanism. And the film, because it's about comics and coping with life through the use of humor, features some great comedy. But the film itself and its 2.5 hr. runtime let the viewer get to know George Simmons, Adam Sandler's dying character, and in doing so, because Adam Sandler plays the role so naturally in this film, you're allowed to just sit back and wait to see what unfolds. Unfortunately the trailers earlier this summer revealed the entire plot of the film, but still, it's a truly enjoyable experience to just take the film at its own pace, rather than waiting for the next big "LOL!" scene bound to come up next. Despite the criticism that Seth Rogan plays the same role in every movie, having seen most of Rogan's films before this, Rogan's character of Ira is much more understated, less confident, and hasa genuinely good heart compared to his roles in "Pineapple Express" and "40 Year Old Virgin." However, his role here is very similar to that of his loser-pothead-nerd in "Knocked Up," however because he's able to develop over the course of "Funny People" due to the film's pace, his character seems very genuine and real. The biggest criticism people have lobbed at "Funny People" for its runtime is the fact that the last 45 minutes of the film feel "tacked on" after what felt like "the end," but this criticism is unfair because the time spent in the second half of the film focused upon Simmons and his ex-girlfriends flirtations takes place over the course of just 1-2 days, all in one location, and this time to get to know more about their past relationship, her current family, and the conflict between Ira and Simmons feels necessary.

While the overall plot in the end doesn't turn out to be incredibly special or surprising, the premise itself was ambitious for "funny man" Apatow and for what turned out to be inspired casting in Adam Sandler (who, if you've seen Punch Drunk Love, then you know is capable of an amazing performance). The film overall feels full and warm and insightful, and you come away from it with a greater appreciation of the role of humor and comedy in our lives, and with the thought that humor and comedy can only take us so far when it comes to coping and dealing with life.

8/10