Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, Eric Bana
Director: Judd Apatow (The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up)
Running Time: 2 hrs 25 min
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Budget: $70 million
Average Critics’ Score: 65%
“…one of the most absorbing films of the year.” Kyle Smith, New York Post
“Gets old fast.” Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News
Contrary to its title, Funny People is about sad-sack comedians who really aren’t that funny unless you’re amused by male anatomy jokes for much of its wearing two-hour plus run time. That said, this dramedy soundly hits universal themes of competitiveness, ambition, unattained goals and regret as it follows Sandler’s ill, jaded famous movie star, his wide-eyed, struggling assistant, Ira, (Rogen) and Ira’s more successful roommates. The convoluted storylines make the movie’s identity unfocused and misshapen; however, we feel like we really know and understand these characters because they are so well-acted and written. All the performances are great, especially from an emotionally complex Sandler and an earnest Rogen taking on uncharacteristic roles.
