Review: Funny People (2009)

[Homer Yen]

Funny "People"
by Homer Yen
(c) 2009

Funny isn't the only word here.  It's also sad and poignant and even
brave.  This is a different kind of Adam Sandler movie.  In it he
plays a famous comedian who is diagnosed with a terminal illness.  But
his ability to make us laugh never ceases.  Here's one of his jokes,
edited of course because George Simmons (Adam Sandler) uses the same
level of vulgarity as the late, funny George Carlin.

When people are in their 20s, everything is @#*$ this and @#*$ that.
It doesn't matter what it is.  In their 30s, they are a little more
aware.  And, now it's  @#*$ the government; @#*$ the economy; etc...
When we hit our 40s, it's "I'm hu-u-u-ngry", said in a sheepish voice.

It seems that humans become more thoughtful as they grow older
(perhaps youth is truly wasted on the young).  So too is Adam Sandler
in this film.  His usual biting ways are replaced by undertones of
tenderness.  With his brilliant life about to be cut short, he extends
a generous hand to an up-an-coming comic (played by Seth Rogen).  He
looks to reconcile with the "one that got away" many years ago.
George imagines that going after the one that got away is how
remorseful ex's and serial killers feel.  Adam Sandler has discarded
somewhat his flair for rudeness, but he is still very agile with some
choice comic zingers.

Writer Judd Apatow is wise enough to understand that in reality, the
world of the rising comic is also unforgiving and cutthroat.  This
point is accentuated through the character of Ida Wright (a
slimmed-down Seth Rogen).  He's hungry and ambitious and jealous of
some of the success enjoyed by others.  But his material is pretty
funny and witty.  George sees him one night performing at the Improv.
He's impressed and hires Ida to help him write jokes.  They begin to
develop a deep friendship for one another.  It's not a bro-mance.
It's a little more simple...just two guys trying to look out for each
other because individually, they can't orchestrate the momentum that
each one needs.

Yet, I thought it could've been funnier although I don't have a
working diagram as to how that could've happened.  We're roaming the
world of up-and-coming stand-up comics here.  And I think that it
would've kept my interest for a longer duration if the story stayed
focused on the behind-the-scenes work of these comics and/or the
inspiration for these jokes and/or the crazy relationships that these
people-of-the-business must have.  My interest began to wane when the
movie began to settle on the story between George and his old flame
(Leslie Mann).

I liked the film enough to recommend it.  I appreciate the Punch-Drunk
Love side of Adam Sandler more so than the Happy Gilmore side.  Seth
Rogen is also very appealing and capable in this role.  And there are
some good yuk-yuks thrown in.  Especially droll was when they both
ganged up on a doctor with a heavy European accent.  "Funny People" is
a film that offers laughs and a heart.

Grade:	B

S:	2 out of 3
L:	3 out of 3
V:	1 out of 3