Funny People

2009
Director: Judd Apatow
Written by: Judd Apatow
Starring: Adam Sandler, Leslie Mann, Seth Rogen, Eric Bana

I saw this movie tonight not knowing what to expect. It's gotten such mixed reviews. I have heard it's sad and dark and not at all like Apatow's other films, which I love. A lot of people don't like it because of this, but I must saw, I thought it was lovely. It was as if the characters were playing themselves (hopefully not Adam Sandler--his character was a real asshole). It was a glimpse into the world of comedians and struggling comedians. It was heart-breaking, uncomfortable at times, and also pretty funny. I love me some dysfunctional films, so I really liked it. It was well-acted (Sandler didn't bug me a bit, which is quite a feat). Seth Rogen was understated and not too Seth Rogen. The supporting cast was hilarious (Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, Aziz Ansari, the amazing newcomer Aubrey Plaza, and Apatow and Mann's adorable daughters, Maude and Iris Apatow). Leslie Mann is a brilliant actress who I hope to see in more films where she can show her acting abilities.

Highlights include a home video of Maude Apatow singing Memory in a production of Cats, a terrible fictional NBC sitcom called "Yo, Teach!", a scary Swedish doctor, and some seriously funny stand-up (it's definitely funny stand-up if it makes me laugh--I hate stand-up).

In other words, I really recommend this movie. Just don't go in expecting it to be Knocked Up or 40-Year Old Virgin. It's much more grown-up than that. Have no fear, that doesn't mean there's a shortage of dick jokes.

A-