Plot:
When seasoned comedian George Simmons learns of his terminal, inoperable health condition, his desire to form a genuine friendship causes him to take a relatively green performer under his wing as his opening act.
It would be unfair to compare this film to Judd Apatow‘s previous directorial efforts, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, since those were different types of movies.
Funny People is definitely a comedy-drama and even though there were scenes with plenty of laughs, there were also serious scenes within the film, and I thought that the film mixed the two genres well.
The features probably one of the best performances by Adam Sander (who never looked older), as he plays mentor to Seth Rogen (who never looked younger).
With most of Apatow’s regular supporting cast missing (except for Jonah Hill), the bulk of the film centers on Sandler’s and Rogen’s relationship.
I can’t say that the film is the funniest comedy of the year, but is still a pretty good film.
8/10
Sean Patrick Kelly
Sean Patrick Kelly is a Toronto-based freelance film critic and blogger with a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies from York University. Since founding his site in 2004, Sean has shared his passion for cinema through insightful reviews and commentary. His work has also been featured in prominent outlets, including Toronto Film Scene, HuffPost Canada, Screen Anarchy, ScreenRant, and Rue Morgue Magazine.