Funny People

Adam Sandler’s latest film sees the veteran team up with relatively newbie comic Seth Rogen for an enjoyable comedy with a serious edge.

Sandler plays George Simmons, a character much like his real life self, a successful stand up comedian and actor. However Simmons learns that he has an untreatable blood disorder and is given less than a year to live, which causes him to reflect upon his hollow Hollywood lifestyle devoid of close friends but many acquaintances and lots of material things yet no one to share them with. He befriends and hires as his personal assistant Ira (Rogen), who is a struggling stand up comedian trying to break into the comedy industry.  As Simmons ponders his imminent immortality, he is of course driven to pursue the girl that got away dragging Ira along for the ride.

From the previews I had high hopes that Funny People would match the success and high laughter level of Sandler’s earlier work. The plot is weak and uncreative, which is a disappointment, however the jokes are regular and the performances are diverse, thanks to the numerous cameos from comedians who starred in the sitcoms of the 80s and 90s, adding a sense of nostalgic humour with their varied styles. The surprise comedian is rapper Eminem who plays an exaggerated version of his angry self which almost ends in violence with Ray Romano.

Sandler’s change in style and plot selection for his films over the years is made obvious in this performance, as he occasionally breaks from his more serious and mature character into the stupid humour and voices reminiscent of his Billy Madison and SNL days.
However the real standout performance for me was from our own Eric Bana who plays the Australian meathead husband of Sandler’s ex-girlfriend. Bana is finally given a chance to showcase his incredible comedic acting talent for a Hollywood audience, which is what we as Australians remember him fondly for. He epitomises the unique Aussie ocker humour reminiscent of his ‘Poida’ days, which is magnified to hilarious levels when his accent and mannerisms are contrasted with Rogen’s and the other comedians’ drier American style. Bana had me in tears at every exaggerated bogan word and uniquely Aussie phrase, and if you’re a Full Frontal fan from way back the movie is worth watching just to see him in the style that made him famous.

Review by Jessica Luppino