The Road Dog is a comedy-drama film directed by Greg Glienna, who also co-wrote the film with Tony Boswell. The film revolves around an alcoholic standup comedian who gets a new lease on life when he tries to get to know his son, whom he didn’t even know existed. The Road Dog stars Doug Stanhope in the lead role with Khrystyne Haje, Greg Fitzsimmons, and Tim Kazurinsky starring in supporting roles. So, if you liked The Road Dog here are some similar movies you could watch next.
Standing Up, Falling Down (Prime Video & Hulu) Credit – Shout! Studios
Synopsis: A struggling stand-up comedian (Ben Schwartz) moves back home to Long Island with his tail tucked between his legs and strikes up an unlikely friendship with his eccentric dermatologist (Billy Crystal).
Funny People (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Universal Pictures
Synopsis: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann star in...
Standing Up, Falling Down (Prime Video & Hulu) Credit – Shout! Studios
Synopsis: A struggling stand-up comedian (Ben Schwartz) moves back home to Long Island with his tail tucked between his legs and strikes up an unlikely friendship with his eccentric dermatologist (Billy Crystal).
Funny People (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Universal Pictures
Synopsis: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann star in...
- 10/23/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Eli Roth’s Sgt. Donny Donowitz, nicknamed the Bear Jew for notoriously smashing German soldiers in the head with a baseball bat, is a fan-favorite character from Quentin Tarantino‘s sixth film, Inglorious Basterds. However, while Roth’s performance lives in infamy among Tarantino’s rabid fanbase, the director recently revealed he wrote the part of the Bear Jew for Adam Sandler. I understand if you need a moment to let that sink in. I’ll wait.
Are you good? Okay, let’s press on, then. Speaking on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, Tarantino told Maher and his co-interviewee Judd Apatow that he wanted Sandler to play the Bear Jew in his violent Nazi-hunting war film. Unfortunately (in more ways than one), Sandler already signed on to play George Simmons in Apatow’s 2009 comedy Funny People.
“[Judd and I ] met each other through Adam Sandler during the time that I did ‘Little Nicky,...
Are you good? Okay, let’s press on, then. Speaking on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, Tarantino told Maher and his co-interviewee Judd Apatow that he wanted Sandler to play the Bear Jew in his violent Nazi-hunting war film. Unfortunately (in more ways than one), Sandler already signed on to play George Simmons in Apatow’s 2009 comedy Funny People.
“[Judd and I ] met each other through Adam Sandler during the time that I did ‘Little Nicky,...
- 12/16/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
At this point, the majority of Adam Sandler fans are aware that his movies boast many connections, creating a Happy Madison cinematic universe that was established in 1999 when Happy Gilmore‘s Chubbs showed up in Little Nicky, and continues to this day following Ben Stiller’s cameo as Hal L. in Hubie Halloween.
Throughout the 21st Century, Sandler’s starring vehicles have featured several recurring figures that’ve appeared in multiple films, even though the only live-action sequel he’s made during his entire career has been Grown Ups 2. The actor has joked that he’d love to do an Avengers-style crossover, but a new fan theory now claims that his shared mythology is a lot more intricate than that and similar to Quentin Tarantino’s cinematic universe.
Yes, the longest-running cinematic universe in Hollywood is the one that takes place inside the filmography of Tarantino, which exists...
Throughout the 21st Century, Sandler’s starring vehicles have featured several recurring figures that’ve appeared in multiple films, even though the only live-action sequel he’s made during his entire career has been Grown Ups 2. The actor has joked that he’d love to do an Avengers-style crossover, but a new fan theory now claims that his shared mythology is a lot more intricate than that and similar to Quentin Tarantino’s cinematic universe.
Yes, the longest-running cinematic universe in Hollywood is the one that takes place inside the filmography of Tarantino, which exists...
- 1/4/2021
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
We’ve been given 3 Judd Apatow bundles to give away on Blu-ray. The bundle includes Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Funny People and Get Him to the Greek, all released on 22nd July. All produced by Judd Apatow with Knocked Up and Funny People also written and directed by him.
Knocked Up
They say that opposites attract…well for super-slacker Ben (Seth Rogen) and career girl Alison (Katherine Heigl), that’s certainly the case- at least for one intoxicating evening. Two months and several pregnancy tests later, Ben and Alison go through a funny, anxious and heart-warming journey.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Struggling musician Peter Bretter has spent five long and wonderful years idolising his celebrity girlfriend, television star Sarah Marshall. His perfect world comes crashing down when Sarah suddenly dumps him for “that guy” (Russell Brand) from “that band”. But his plan to leave his troubles behind backfires when he...
Knocked Up
They say that opposites attract…well for super-slacker Ben (Seth Rogen) and career girl Alison (Katherine Heigl), that’s certainly the case- at least for one intoxicating evening. Two months and several pregnancy tests later, Ben and Alison go through a funny, anxious and heart-warming journey.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Struggling musician Peter Bretter has spent five long and wonderful years idolising his celebrity girlfriend, television star Sarah Marshall. His perfect world comes crashing down when Sarah suddenly dumps him for “that guy” (Russell Brand) from “that band”. But his plan to leave his troubles behind backfires when he...
- 7/19/2019
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Chicago – Whatever problems I may have with Judd Apatow’s “Funny People” (and I’ll get to those, trust me), the Blu-Ray release for the comedy is easily one of the most extensive and impressive of the year with hours of bonus material and some amazing archival footage that makes the package a must-own for fans of the film. If only the movie itself lived up to such an impressive HD treatment.
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0
Adam Sandler stars as the mega-successful George Simmons, a former stand-up and comedy star who is told that he doesn’t have long to live. He partners up with a struggling comedian named Ira (Seth Rogen) and heads back out to clubs to find what he loved about comedy in the first place. He eventually crosses paths with the one who got away (Leslie Mann) and learns a lesson or two about life. Or three or...
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0
Adam Sandler stars as the mega-successful George Simmons, a former stand-up and comedy star who is told that he doesn’t have long to live. He partners up with a struggling comedian named Ira (Seth Rogen) and heads back out to clubs to find what he loved about comedy in the first place. He eventually crosses paths with the one who got away (Leslie Mann) and learns a lesson or two about life. Or three or...
- 12/7/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Funny People Quick Thoughts: Tough, uncompromising and filled with uncomforting moments and borderline detestable characters, next to dealing with all the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Neanderthals the most intense debates I got into all summer were over Judd Apatow's Funny People. Starring Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, this dramatic jaunt into the lives and times of standup comedians made me laugh out loud while at the same time it broke my heart. Its poignant saga touched me quite deeply.
Apatow and company do not apologize for their characters' shortcomings, painting a picture of creation, stardom, love and friendship that cuts right to the jugular. Just because Sandler's George Simmons finds himself at Death's doorstep doesn't mean he's going to change his narcissistic ways, and finding out if he will becomes one of the film's many pleasures. Great supporting turns by Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman...
Apatow and company do not apologize for their characters' shortcomings, painting a picture of creation, stardom, love and friendship that cuts right to the jugular. Just because Sandler's George Simmons finds himself at Death's doorstep doesn't mean he's going to change his narcissistic ways, and finding out if he will becomes one of the film's many pleasures. Great supporting turns by Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman...
- 11/26/2009
- by Sara Michelle Fetters
- Rope of Silicon
Dying is easy. Comedy is hard. Dramatic People probably just wasn.t funny enough a title, but may have been more in keeping with the film and not what we have come to expect from Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler, or Seth Rogen. That being said the movie does have some funny moments but pads the plotline. George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is seemingly on top of the world. He.s a comedian whose lowbrow comedy films have made him a rich and famous man. He.s given a death sentence when it.s discovered that he has a rare form of leukemia and only has an eight percent chance to survive if some experimental Canadian medicines work for him. Simmons decides to...
- 11/24/2009
- by Jeff Swindoll
- Monsters and Critics
Adam Sandler seems to be bouncing his career around three, different types of film. He’s got the dramatic roles (Reign Over Me and Funny People), he’s got the kiddie roles (Bedtime Stories), and he’s got the out-and-out comedy roles (You Don”T Mess With The Zohan). From the sound of it, his latest choice sounds like it could fall into that kiddie category, as Sandler has signed on to play both siblings in a romantic comedy titled Jack And Jill.
Little is known about the project, other than Sandler will be playing a man and his twin sister, and, if the thought of seeing Sandler dressed up as a woman doesn’t get your laugh meter going, then you’re just not human. Sandler’s Happy Madison will be producing, and Steve Koren, Robert Smigel, and Sandler worked on the screenplay.
Honestly, this sounds like one of those crappy,...
Little is known about the project, other than Sandler will be playing a man and his twin sister, and, if the thought of seeing Sandler dressed up as a woman doesn’t get your laugh meter going, then you’re just not human. Sandler’s Happy Madison will be producing, and Steve Koren, Robert Smigel, and Sandler worked on the screenplay.
Honestly, this sounds like one of those crappy,...
- 10/29/2009
- by Kirk
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
You only have to watch Punch Drunk Love and Funny People to realise that Adam Sandler is capable of great things. We also have a lot of love for Happy Gilmore. But "great things" seem to be on the back burner for now, and in the meantime, here's Jack and Jill.Todd Garner (Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Are We There Yet?) is producing, and Saturday Night Live alumnus Steve Koren has written the script, the high concept nugget of comedy gold at the centre of which is that Sandler will play both Jack and his twin sister Jill.Honestly, doesn't that sound like a film that George Simmons might have made? Are Merman and a film where Sandler has an adult's head on a baby's body next? And can Sandler do as great a job as Michael J Fox in Back to the Future 2? All will no doubt be revealed in due course.
- 10/28/2009
- EmpireOnline
Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler want to come over for Thanksgiving.
Due out on DVD and Blu-ray on November 24th, Funny People stars Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann and comes from the mind that brought you The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up.
Sandler plays a George Simmons, a popular comedian who is given a second chance at life. Rogen plays his trusty assistance in this sedate comedy. Funny People also stars Jonah, Eric Bana and Jason Schwartzman.
The film will be released in a single-disc edition, a two-disc Special Edition and, of course, a fancy two-disc Blu-ray edition. All versions will have both the theatrical and unrated versions.
Better hope you don't watch this after you inhale a turkey. This film is on the long side.
Check out the special features courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment’s press release:
- Feature Commentary with director Judd Apatow...
Due out on DVD and Blu-ray on November 24th, Funny People stars Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann and comes from the mind that brought you The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up.
Sandler plays a George Simmons, a popular comedian who is given a second chance at life. Rogen plays his trusty assistance in this sedate comedy. Funny People also stars Jonah, Eric Bana and Jason Schwartzman.
The film will be released in a single-disc edition, a two-disc Special Edition and, of course, a fancy two-disc Blu-ray edition. All versions will have both the theatrical and unrated versions.
Better hope you don't watch this after you inhale a turkey. This film is on the long side.
Check out the special features courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment’s press release:
- Feature Commentary with director Judd Apatow...
- 10/25/2009
- Denver Movies Examiner
Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler want to come over for Thanksgiving.
Due out on DVD and Blu-ray on November 24th, Funny People stars Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann and comes from the mind that brought you The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up.
Sandler plays a George Simmons , a popular comedian who is given a second chance at life. Rogen plays his trusty assistance in this sedate comedy. Funny People also stars Jonah, Eric Bana and Jason Schwartzman.
The film will be released in a single-disc edition, a two-disc Special Edition and, of course, a fancy two-disc Blu-ray edition. All versions will have both the theatrical and unrated versions.
Better hope you don’t watch this after you inhale a turkey. This film is on the long side.
Check out the special features courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment’s press release:
- Feature Commentary with director Judd Apatow...
Due out on DVD and Blu-ray on November 24th, Funny People stars Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann and comes from the mind that brought you The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up.
Sandler plays a George Simmons , a popular comedian who is given a second chance at life. Rogen plays his trusty assistance in this sedate comedy. Funny People also stars Jonah, Eric Bana and Jason Schwartzman.
The film will be released in a single-disc edition, a two-disc Special Edition and, of course, a fancy two-disc Blu-ray edition. All versions will have both the theatrical and unrated versions.
Better hope you don’t watch this after you inhale a turkey. This film is on the long side.
Check out the special features courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment’s press release:
- Feature Commentary with director Judd Apatow...
- 10/22/2009
- by Reel Loop News Staff
- ReelLoop.com
The top 10 best Adam Sandler movies. Comedian. Actor. Musician. Singer. Writer. Producer. Swell guy (probably). The sum of all these parts makes Adam Sander who he is today; a much loved and much viewed working entertainer. He makes us laugh. He makes it look easy. There are few comedic actors when have been at the top of the box office for as long as The Sandman, so let’s appreciate this multi-talented dude.
10. 50 First Dates (2004)
50 First Dates (not to be confused with the similar-sounding 51st State starring Samuel L. Jackson) is the 2nd collaboration between the Sandman and Drew Barrymore after The Wedding Singer.
Set in Hawaii, Sandler is Henry Roth, a ladies man (!) who falls for Drew’s character Lucy Whitmore. After managing to romance her, he wakes up the next morning to find she has forgotten who he is and has no prior knowledge of the previous day’s events.
10. 50 First Dates (2004)
50 First Dates (not to be confused with the similar-sounding 51st State starring Samuel L. Jackson) is the 2nd collaboration between the Sandman and Drew Barrymore after The Wedding Singer.
Set in Hawaii, Sandler is Henry Roth, a ladies man (!) who falls for Drew’s character Lucy Whitmore. After managing to romance her, he wakes up the next morning to find she has forgotten who he is and has no prior knowledge of the previous day’s events.
- 10/2/2009
- by Mahmoud El-Azzeh
- Movie-moron.com
This is not a leftover poster from the Funny People viral campaign. Though it seems to have a lot in common with some of George Simmons' worst films like Merman, Re-do, Astro-not and Code Green (which actually co-starred The Rock), Tooth Fairy is an actual film that will be released this January. It stars some genuinely talented people like Dwayne Johnson, Julie Andrews and Billy Crystal and follows a hockey player who is ordered to serve as the Tooth Fairy for a week. (And to think in...
- 9/22/2009
- by Mike Sampson
- JoBlo.com
Judd Apatow has a lot to answer for. In recent years he’s been behind virtually every big comedy hit to come out of Hollywood, and has created bona fide stars in Seth Rogan, Paul Rudd, Katherine Heigl and his wife Lesley Mann. It’s his ability to produce masculine, gross-out comedies with sensitivity at their heart that brings in the audiences, and his third feature as director, Funny People, mixes these two elements more than ever before. But is this a good thing, or does it just make for a confused, bland film that aspires to much more than it actually achieves? Many people will already be aware of the plot thanks to the trailer, but a quick recap is always useful. Aging comic superstar George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is a lonely playboy, cloistered in his California mansion, addicted to yet bored of the excess of his lifestyle. He...
- 9/8/2009
- by Joe West
- t5m.com
Billed as Judd Apatow's new romantic comedy, many will be surprised to find that Funny People is neither as comedic or romantic as one might expect. Apatow has injected some mature drama into his work and the result is interesting if somewhat mixed...
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In probably his best role to date (this including Reign Over Me and Punch Drunk Love), Adam Sandler plays George Simmons, a middle aged comedian rich off his successes in stand-up and movies who is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and told he has only a short time to live.
Depressed and scared, Simmons realises that the people in his life are 'yes' people. He has no real friends. While at a comedy club doing a gig, George catches the show of young up-and-comer Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) and pays him $1500 dollars to be his assistant. Star-struck Ira agrees but as George's health deteriorates,...
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In probably his best role to date (this including Reign Over Me and Punch Drunk Love), Adam Sandler plays George Simmons, a middle aged comedian rich off his successes in stand-up and movies who is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and told he has only a short time to live.
Depressed and scared, Simmons realises that the people in his life are 'yes' people. He has no real friends. While at a comedy club doing a gig, George catches the show of young up-and-comer Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) and pays him $1500 dollars to be his assistant. Star-struck Ira agrees but as George's health deteriorates,...
- 9/5/2009
- by FanboyCrew
Adam Sandler’s new movie Funny People has just been released in the UK to a barrage of mediocre reviews, as is the fairly usual response to his movies by the critics.
These reviews come only weeks after stories of possible Oscar nomination rumours circulating, for Sandler’s portrayal of his character George Simmons– a comedian, who stared into the face of death, as he battles against a killer disease.
So what’s the deal here?
We all know that Sandler’s films are usually from a certain kind of comedy ‘genre,’ similar to that of director of Funny People Judd Apatow. Apatow has been behind such light-hearted movies as The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, Anchorman, Pineapple Express, Superbad and Knocked Up…..Sounds like the perfect funny man partnership already doesn’t it?
But as all Sandler fans will know, back in 2002, Punch Drunk Love was released, and it made...
These reviews come only weeks after stories of possible Oscar nomination rumours circulating, for Sandler’s portrayal of his character George Simmons– a comedian, who stared into the face of death, as he battles against a killer disease.
So what’s the deal here?
We all know that Sandler’s films are usually from a certain kind of comedy ‘genre,’ similar to that of director of Funny People Judd Apatow. Apatow has been behind such light-hearted movies as The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, Anchorman, Pineapple Express, Superbad and Knocked Up…..Sounds like the perfect funny man partnership already doesn’t it?
But as all Sandler fans will know, back in 2002, Punch Drunk Love was released, and it made...
- 9/2/2009
- by Rachael Church
- FilmShaft.com
August bank holiday weekend is here and after last week’s release of Tarantino’s fantastic Inglourious Basterds we’re in need of something a bit lighter. So new Judd Apatow comedy Funny People seems like the perfect mix of comedy and fun characters. Also opening this weekend is tense action-thriller The Hurt Locker, in which an elite army team of bomb experts get a very different team leader. And if you’re after something that really stands out, why not try The Final Destination in 3D, which again follows a group of teens who escape death only to be hunted down by it. Since the bank holiday weather typically never seems to last, see the films and be inspired by this week’s suggestions.
If you see… George Simmons (Adam Sandler) and friends dealing with mortality and learning nothing in hilarious comedy Funny People.
Why Not Get George’s...
If you see… George Simmons (Adam Sandler) and friends dealing with mortality and learning nothing in hilarious comedy Funny People.
Why Not Get George’s...
- 8/28/2009
- Boxwish.com
Everyone as excited as us here at Team Boxwish that Funny People is hitting cinemas this Friday? We thought so. Ever since we watched Seth Rogen as reluctant first-time father Ben in another of Judd Apatow’s comedy gems, unplanned pregnancy romp Knocked Up, we’ve been fans of his side-splittingly goofy antics and in this flick he teams up with fellow comic-actor Adam Sandler, and in a life imitating art sort-of-way both play brand new chums and stand-up comedians, Ira Wright and George Simmons respectively. So it is with great pleasure that, coinciding with the release of this bitter-sweet comedy based around charmingly fun yet fallible characters, we present to you that everyday essential of your living room – the box. Yes, our gadget spot of the week is the impressive Sharp Aquos HD TV from Funny People.
This 52” model is among the thinnest line of Aquos LCD TVs ever...
This 52” model is among the thinnest line of Aquos LCD TVs ever...
- 8/27/2009
- Boxwish.com
In new Judd Apatow comedy Funny People we’re treated to a whole host of humorous actors doing what they do best – playing comedians. Although George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and given only a year to live, he makes a stunning full recovery but takes nothing from the near-death experience. He goes after the ‘one that got away’ (Leslie Mann) yet still manages to make enough hilarious mistakes along the way to have the whole cinema giggling. Joined by his new buddies Ira (Seth Rogen), Leo (Jonah Hill) and Mark (Jason Schwartzman) there’s enough slogan T-shirts, as you’d expect from a bunch of funny guys, for a whole new wardrobe. But the one that’s particularly caught our eye, and so is this week’s fashion fix, is George’s Kentucky Wildcats T-shirt.
The T-shirt is a Kentucky Wildcats sports shirt and...
The T-shirt is a Kentucky Wildcats sports shirt and...
- 8/26/2009
- Boxwish.com
Update: In terrific news, we can now confirm that Funny People star and accomplished funny person Jonah Hill will be coming along to introduce the screening of the film on Sunday night. Hill will be fresh from the set of Get Him To The Greek, the Forgetting Sarah Marshall spin-off which he's currently shooting with Russell Brand in London, but he's taking time out to hang with Empire, the BFI and all of you at Movie-Con.Original story follows...Another day, another exciting announcement for the Empire and BFI Movie-Con II weekend: Funny People will be screening at 18.00 on Sunday, giving you the first chance to see the new Judd Apatow film starring (deep breath) Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Eric Bana, Leslie Mann, Jason Schwartzman and Jonah Hill.Sandler plays comedian and movie star George Simmons, who realises how empty his life is after he is diagnosed with cancer. He...
- 8/11/2009
- EmpireOnline
Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann
Director: Judd Apatow
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Running Time: 136 min
MPAA Rating: R
Distributor: Universal Pictures
- - -
Few comedies are charged with the power to upend its firmly rooted foundation and shed a brisk light on a path that is strangely eluded. When such a comedy is aroused by announcing a new thought, a new path, it becomes obsessively obligated to tapping into this new thought and executing it in a profound gesture of class. The results liberate us from the mundane and shapeless comedies recently produced in America in order to campaign a more complex and challenging side of comedy’s nature that hasn’t been fully developed over the past years.
Judd Apatow’s new feature “Funny People” is almost the peak for American comedies. It charms the soul and warms the heart while at the same time fusing two...
Director: Judd Apatow
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Running Time: 136 min
MPAA Rating: R
Distributor: Universal Pictures
- - -
Few comedies are charged with the power to upend its firmly rooted foundation and shed a brisk light on a path that is strangely eluded. When such a comedy is aroused by announcing a new thought, a new path, it becomes obsessively obligated to tapping into this new thought and executing it in a profound gesture of class. The results liberate us from the mundane and shapeless comedies recently produced in America in order to campaign a more complex and challenging side of comedy’s nature that hasn’t been fully developed over the past years.
Judd Apatow’s new feature “Funny People” is almost the peak for American comedies. It charms the soul and warms the heart while at the same time fusing two...
- 8/11/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann
Director: Judd Apatow
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Running Time: 136 min
MPAA Rating: R
Distributor: Universal Pictures
- - -
Few comedies are charged with the power to upend its firmly rooted foundation and shed a brisk light on a path that is strangely eluded. When such a comedy is aroused by announcing a new thought, a new path, it becomes obsessively obligated to tapping into this new thought and executing it in a profound gesture of class. The results liberate us from the mundane and shapeless comedies recently produced in America in order to campaign a more complex and challenging side of comedy’s nature that hasn’t been fully developed over the past years.
Judd Apatow’s new feature “Funny People” is almost the peak for American comedies. It charms the soul and warms the heart while at the same time fusing two...
Director: Judd Apatow
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Running Time: 136 min
MPAA Rating: R
Distributor: Universal Pictures
- - -
Few comedies are charged with the power to upend its firmly rooted foundation and shed a brisk light on a path that is strangely eluded. When such a comedy is aroused by announcing a new thought, a new path, it becomes obsessively obligated to tapping into this new thought and executing it in a profound gesture of class. The results liberate us from the mundane and shapeless comedies recently produced in America in order to campaign a more complex and challenging side of comedy’s nature that hasn’t been fully developed over the past years.
Judd Apatow’s new feature “Funny People” is almost the peak for American comedies. It charms the soul and warms the heart while at the same time fusing two...
- 8/11/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann
Director: Judd Apatow
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Running Time: 136 min
MPAA Rating: R
Distributor: Universal Pictures
- - -
Few comedies are charged with the power to upend its firmly rooted foundation and shed a brisk light on a path that is strangely eluded. When such a comedy is aroused by announcing a new thought, a new path, it becomes obsessively obligated to tapping into this new thought and executing it in a profound gesture of class. The results liberate us from the mundane and shapeless comedies recently produced in America in order to campaign a more complex and challenging side of comedy’s nature that hasn’t been fully developed over the past years.
Judd Apatow’s new feature “Funny People” is almost the peak for American comedies. It charms the soul and warms the heart while at the same time fusing two...
Director: Judd Apatow
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Running Time: 136 min
MPAA Rating: R
Distributor: Universal Pictures
- - -
Few comedies are charged with the power to upend its firmly rooted foundation and shed a brisk light on a path that is strangely eluded. When such a comedy is aroused by announcing a new thought, a new path, it becomes obsessively obligated to tapping into this new thought and executing it in a profound gesture of class. The results liberate us from the mundane and shapeless comedies recently produced in America in order to campaign a more complex and challenging side of comedy’s nature that hasn’t been fully developed over the past years.
Judd Apatow’s new feature “Funny People” is almost the peak for American comedies. It charms the soul and warms the heart while at the same time fusing two...
- 8/11/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
These days, Judd Apatow and friends are exploring deeper, more meaningful issues than most Hollywood comedies dare -– and they’re doing it at the top of the box-office. One of the film’s stars, Seth Rogen, is in the process of re-defining his career. Superhero flick "The Green Hornet" starts shooting soon and the comedy/drama “I’m With Cancer” will come after that.
So when we had the chance to catch up with the funnyman recently, we had to ask whether he spent his time on the “Funny People” set taking notes on how to successfully balance those tender issues of life, death and laughter.
“It’s funny, actually,” Rogen answered. “'I’m with Cancer’ existed as a script before ‘Funny People,’ but they were written around the same time.”
Apatow’s "People" tells the tale of George Simmons, a veteran comedian making peace with those he’s...
So when we had the chance to catch up with the funnyman recently, we had to ask whether he spent his time on the “Funny People” set taking notes on how to successfully balance those tender issues of life, death and laughter.
“It’s funny, actually,” Rogen answered. “'I’m with Cancer’ existed as a script before ‘Funny People,’ but they were written around the same time.”
Apatow’s "People" tells the tale of George Simmons, a veteran comedian making peace with those he’s...
- 8/6/2009
- by Larry Carroll
- MTV Movies Blog
Chicago – Adam Sandler can lay claim to another #1 film with this weekend’s opening of “Funny People,” co-starring Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, and Jason Schwartzman, but the box office win was bittersweet as the film failed to deliver either by the standards of its star or even its acclaimed writer/director Judd Apatow.
Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons. “
Photo credit: Tracy Bennett and Universal Pictures According to Box Office Mojo, “Funny People” made $23.4 million over the weekend with a per-screen average of $7,793. They are not horrible numbers by any stretch, but they do fall below industry and studio expectations.
Two years ago, Judd Apatow’s “Knocked Up” opened with $31 million without the star power of Adam Sandler and even “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” nearly matched the opening of “Funny People” with just over $21 million in 2005.
“Funny People” also fell significantly short when compared to recent Adam Sandler openings.
Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons. “
Photo credit: Tracy Bennett and Universal Pictures According to Box Office Mojo, “Funny People” made $23.4 million over the weekend with a per-screen average of $7,793. They are not horrible numbers by any stretch, but they do fall below industry and studio expectations.
Two years ago, Judd Apatow’s “Knocked Up” opened with $31 million without the star power of Adam Sandler and even “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” nearly matched the opening of “Funny People” with just over $21 million in 2005.
“Funny People” also fell significantly short when compared to recent Adam Sandler openings.
- 8/3/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Now that you've seen the latest Judd Apatow comedy, here are a few things you may have missed.
By Larry Carroll
Adam Sandler and Leslie Mann in "Funny People"
Photo: Universal
It's the #1 movie in America and stars virtually every comedian worth laughing at these days. But now that you've seen "Funny People," you might have a few questions. Well, don't worry — because, as always, your humble MTV Movies team is here to help.
Following on the heels of our "Funny People" Cheat Sheet and Five Things You Need to Know About "Funny People," here are the answers to some questions you may have after seeing Judd Apatow's latest flick. From offended celebrities to archival footage, you've seen the setups — now, read on for the punch lines:
Was Jon Favreau Offended?
In the flick, Seth Rogen's character jokes that he's a "Jon Favreau type" rather than a handsome leading man.
By Larry Carroll
Adam Sandler and Leslie Mann in "Funny People"
Photo: Universal
It's the #1 movie in America and stars virtually every comedian worth laughing at these days. But now that you've seen "Funny People," you might have a few questions. Well, don't worry — because, as always, your humble MTV Movies team is here to help.
Following on the heels of our "Funny People" Cheat Sheet and Five Things You Need to Know About "Funny People," here are the answers to some questions you may have after seeing Judd Apatow's latest flick. From offended celebrities to archival footage, you've seen the setups — now, read on for the punch lines:
Was Jon Favreau Offended?
In the flick, Seth Rogen's character jokes that he's a "Jon Favreau type" rather than a handsome leading man.
- 8/3/2009
- MTV Movie News
Judd Apatow's new movie, Funny People, is more ambitious and less successful than his previous films, the easy-to-digest and massively popular romantic comedies The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up. Funny People is a sort of message movie, a take on the classic story about a dying man trying to get his life right, told from stand-up comedy's backstage. Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons, a comedian much like Sandler himself -- a famous guy who's been in a bunch of crappy movies -- and the film uses Sandler's life and career as a stand-in for Simmons' own. It opens with vintage camcorder footage of a young Sandler making prank calls, and later footage of a young Sandler working his way up the stand-up circuit, telling inchoate jokes and getting by on sheer charisma. As with all his serious movies,...
- 8/2/2009
- by Alex Remington
- Huffington Post
From Freaks and Geeks to The 40-Year Old Virgin to Knocked Up, producer/writer/director Judd Apatow has cornered the market on making vulgar, but hilarious comedies with the biggest hearts in Hollywood. He is maybe the only filmmaker currently in Hollywood that allows men to wear their hearts on their sleeves, but only after making enormous jackasses of themselves first. In Funny People, the latest entry in the Apatow milieu, however, Apatow takes his formula a step further. The movie is everything you’d expect—dirty, funny...and a little too long. But it’s also a serious, serious bummer.
Funny People is the story of two stand-up comics. George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is a comedian at the peak of his career. George is a movie star who can get any woman he wants, buy anything he wants and do anything he wants. Ira Right (a slimmed down Seth Rogen...
Funny People is the story of two stand-up comics. George Simmons (Adam Sandler) is a comedian at the peak of his career. George is a movie star who can get any woman he wants, buy anything he wants and do anything he wants. Ira Right (a slimmed down Seth Rogen...
- 8/2/2009
- CinemaSpy
Adam Sandler's new "Funny People" movie made it's debut Friday July 31,2009. I just got through watching it,and walked out feeling like I just got tickled to death. Funny people aptly starred some very funny people which included : Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, RZA, Aubrey Plaza, Maude Apatow, Iris Apatow. I thought Adam Sandler, Jonah Hill,Seth Rogan,and Jason Schwartzman all did a really great job of making me laugh in this film. Oh,and I cannot forget Aziz Ansari who played Randy,the Middle Eastern looking comedian. He cracked me up. Also Eminem showed up for a cameo appearance in the film, which was also very hilarious. A brief synopsis of the film follows Ira Wright (Seth Rogan) and George Simmons (Adam Sandler).
- 8/2/2009
- by Andre@ontheflix
- OnTheFlix
Judd Apatow proves once again that he is more than just "The Guy that brought you Superbad and Drillbit Taylor" with his third feature film Funny People. Taking an evolutionary leap from his previous films Knocked Up and 40 Year Old Virgin, Apatow takes a step closer to James L. Brooks (or Oscar-bait) territory, and although he might not always be successful, he doesn't play it safe and grows as an artist. Funny People is about George Simmons (Adam Sandler), a Hollywood superstar who has made tons of terrible films that make tons of money, bringing him lots of money, cars, giant house in...
- 8/2/2009
- MoviesOnline.ca
After You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, I thought I was done with the collaborations of former roommates Adam Sandler and Judd Apatow. Having tried Sandler’s silly style, I guess the partnership thought maybe they should try something for adults this time. The result is Funny People, an odd mixture of depth, laughs, loneliness, and ambition that perhaps works out too much material in its 149 minutes.
Never one for brevity, Apatow directs another rambling movie about relationships that delivers plenty of laughs but could use an edit from an impartial party. What starts out as a smart comedy for fans of funny and centers on revelations stemming from a leukemia diagnosis turns into a meandering subplot about lost love. While most movies usually span three acts of arching development, this one goes halfsies on terminal illness (actually quite Funny) and the importance of close relationships (there’s your People). However,...
Never one for brevity, Apatow directs another rambling movie about relationships that delivers plenty of laughs but could use an edit from an impartial party. What starts out as a smart comedy for fans of funny and centers on revelations stemming from a leukemia diagnosis turns into a meandering subplot about lost love. While most movies usually span three acts of arching development, this one goes halfsies on terminal illness (actually quite Funny) and the importance of close relationships (there’s your People). However,...
- 8/1/2009
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
By Jeff Otto
movieset.com
Movie: Funny People
Synopsis: Fictional comic superstar George Simmons (Adam Sandler) learns he’s dying and realizes his fame has caused him to push away everyone he was once close to. He returns to the stand-up stage for the first time in years and meets an aspiring young comedian named Ira Wright (Seth Rogen). He hires Ira to write jokes and become his personal assistant. Along with his hired new best friend, Simmons starts to examine the shambles his life has become.
Stars: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman
Written by: Judd Apatow
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons in writer/director Judd Apatow's third film behind the camera, "Funny People", the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience.
Opening on: July 31, 2009
Expectations
What I’d Seen - In all honesty,...
movieset.com
Movie: Funny People
Synopsis: Fictional comic superstar George Simmons (Adam Sandler) learns he’s dying and realizes his fame has caused him to push away everyone he was once close to. He returns to the stand-up stage for the first time in years and meets an aspiring young comedian named Ira Wright (Seth Rogen). He hires Ira to write jokes and become his personal assistant. Along with his hired new best friend, Simmons starts to examine the shambles his life has become.
Stars: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman
Written by: Judd Apatow
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons in writer/director Judd Apatow's third film behind the camera, "Funny People", the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience.
Opening on: July 31, 2009
Expectations
What I’d Seen - In all honesty,...
- 7/31/2009
- by Jeff Otto
- MovieSet.com
Dr. Cole Abauis makes a compelling argument about Funny People over in his review, and when I saw the film a couple of weeks ago, I felt exactly the same way. I mean, this movie is an Apatow film, and it stars Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, a slew of other funny people (including a few moments of Ray Romano that are funny than all of Everybody Loves Raymond) ... but it just doesn't stay with you like Anchorman or 40 Year Old Virgin. Is it the sign of a more mature film when you're not quoting lines from the movie, mere minutes after having seen it? I hope not. The only person that really stuck with me from that movie was Aziz Ansari as Randy, who is barely in the movie. In fact, if you want a ton of Randy comedy, check out the elaborate website they made for his character...
- 7/31/2009
- by Kevin Kelly
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Chicago – Judd Apatow’s “Funny People,” starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann, is like watching a friend try out a new stand-up routine. As with a lot of attempts at trying something untested, it doesn’t quite work out, but you have to admire the effort, if not the execution.
Rating: 3.0/5.0 The three films that Apatow has written and directed could be viewed as a natural trilogy about common chronological development through the life of a man. “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” is about sexuality, “Knocked Up” is about fatherhood, and “Funny People” is about mortality. If it sounds like deep material for what has been advertised as a raunchy comedy, it is, but that doesn’t mean it works.
Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Funny People” in our reviews section. “Funny People” is an undeniably ambitious piece of work about infidelity, regret, death, fame, friendship, and love,...
Rating: 3.0/5.0 The three films that Apatow has written and directed could be viewed as a natural trilogy about common chronological development through the life of a man. “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” is about sexuality, “Knocked Up” is about fatherhood, and “Funny People” is about mortality. If it sounds like deep material for what has been advertised as a raunchy comedy, it is, but that doesn’t mean it works.
Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Funny People” in our reviews section. “Funny People” is an undeniably ambitious piece of work about infidelity, regret, death, fame, friendship, and love,...
- 7/31/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Philip Barrett: Sometimes, one can expect too much out of a film. It’s not the fault of the film itself, but more on the audience and trailers. The Matrix sequels are the best, recent example of this as most were left generally disappointed. Time at this point has not been kind to either of them as most still revile them. It’ll be interesting to see if Funny People suffers from the same fate as it has a good premise and a very capable actor in Adam Sandler. This should have been a great film, and for an hour it is. However, what should have been a passing of the torch quickly turns into an exercise for one’s tolerance with dick jokes.
Erik Buckman: Besides The 40 Year Old Virgin, I’m not much of a fan of Judd Apatow’s work. Cock joke after balls joke in...
Erik Buckman: Besides The 40 Year Old Virgin, I’m not much of a fan of Judd Apatow’s work. Cock joke after balls joke in...
- 7/31/2009
- by Philip Barrett
- Atomic Popcorn
From MTV.Com: George Simmons is a dying comic. Not just dying onstage — he's really dying, of leukemia. In Judd Apatow's "Funny People," Adam Sandler, in a strong and resolutely unsentimental performance, plays this character as a guy who's worked his way to the top of his trade — from bottom-rung standup gigs to blockbuster movies — and now, at 40, doesn't know what to do with the news that his time is up. What's it all been for? He recently moved into a huge Malibu mansion, through which he wanders like Charles Foster Kane adrift in the empty splendor of Xanadu. Which is to say, alone. "I don't have any friends," he tells Ira Wright, the guy he's hired to impersonate one. "I have showbiz friends."
Ira (Seth Rogen at his most winning) is just starting out in the comedy business. George caught his act at an L.A. club — one...
Ira (Seth Rogen at his most winning) is just starting out in the comedy business. George caught his act at an L.A. club — one...
- 7/31/2009
- by Kurt Loder
- MTV Movies Blog
In the new film Funny People, Ira Wright, the character played by Seth Rogen, reveals more or less inadvertently that the reason he became a stand-up comedian was because he was ridiculed by his classmates as a boy. This is probably one of the film's most profound moments, although it hardly treats it as such; but there's a long and illustrious history of comedy serving the purpose of concealing people's feelings, both on and off screen. And filtered through the meta-movie stardom of Adam Sandler's ailing A-lister, Funny People is precisely about the walls people put up in one way or another to protect themselves from emotional harm - which, as the film observes, almost always become a prison for the person who builds them.
Sandler plays George Simmons, a mega-comedian and movie star who decides to "return to his roots" in stand-up after a doctor diagnoses him with...
Sandler plays George Simmons, a mega-comedian and movie star who decides to "return to his roots" in stand-up after a doctor diagnoses him with...
- 7/31/2009
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Cinematical
Funny People
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Jason Schwartzman, Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana
Running Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Rating: R
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Plot: A big shot actor/comedian (Sandler) finds out he has a rare form of leukemia. He hires a young comedian (Rogen) to write jokes for him and be his assistant while trying to deal with a slim chance of living.
Who’s It For? If you’ve followed Apatow, Rogen and Hill in the past, you know what to expect. It’s funny one-liners throughout. There’s a little more drama than usual, but not as much as you’d think when you know Sandler is fighting for his life. If you’re thinking this is a broad Sandler comedy, look elsewhere.
Expectations: I’m a huge fan of Aaptow and constantly forget that he had nothing to do with Forgetting Sarah Marshall...
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Jason Schwartzman, Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana
Running Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Rating: R
Release Date: July 31, 2009
Plot: A big shot actor/comedian (Sandler) finds out he has a rare form of leukemia. He hires a young comedian (Rogen) to write jokes for him and be his assistant while trying to deal with a slim chance of living.
Who’s It For? If you’ve followed Apatow, Rogen and Hill in the past, you know what to expect. It’s funny one-liners throughout. There’s a little more drama than usual, but not as much as you’d think when you know Sandler is fighting for his life. If you’re thinking this is a broad Sandler comedy, look elsewhere.
Expectations: I’m a huge fan of Aaptow and constantly forget that he had nothing to do with Forgetting Sarah Marshall...
- 7/31/2009
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
Did you hear about the one about my penis?
Funny People is the closest thing to Judd Apatow growing up as audiences will get a chance to see. Though true to the Apatow formula of penis/sex jokes at a semi-rapid pace, Funny People actually has some substance and an enticing, though sadly bland, storyline. Awkward with flashes of a storytelling prowess, Funny People is more akin to growing into puberty: awkward, uncoordinated and simply raunchy. The film does little to appease Apatow’s legions of fans thanks in part to more adult narrative, and does even less to stretch his empire. But like a true auteur, Mr. Apatow doesn’t care. He just wants to play dirty.
Adam Sandler plays George Simmons, a dissection of Sandler himself. A comic superstar, George is known for his outlandish roles in such films as Re-Do, where he plays a man turned into a baby by a wizard,...
Funny People is the closest thing to Judd Apatow growing up as audiences will get a chance to see. Though true to the Apatow formula of penis/sex jokes at a semi-rapid pace, Funny People actually has some substance and an enticing, though sadly bland, storyline. Awkward with flashes of a storytelling prowess, Funny People is more akin to growing into puberty: awkward, uncoordinated and simply raunchy. The film does little to appease Apatow’s legions of fans thanks in part to more adult narrative, and does even less to stretch his empire. But like a true auteur, Mr. Apatow doesn’t care. He just wants to play dirty.
Adam Sandler plays George Simmons, a dissection of Sandler himself. A comic superstar, George is known for his outlandish roles in such films as Re-Do, where he plays a man turned into a baby by a wizard,...
- 7/31/2009
- by Erik Buckman
- ReelLoop.com
Suggesting that funnyman filmmaker Judd Apatow is a comic genius is like suggesting the world is round… it’s old news. It’s well-established that the man behind so many of today’s most hilarious and successfully crafted cinematic comedies can practically do no wrong. Well, he’s produced a couple of stinkers, but as a writer and director he’s nearly unbeatable. Shall I say he’s this generation’s Mel Brooks? No, his films are nothing like Mel’s. I’m merely suggesting he is that kind of comedic powerhouse.
Funny People is, believe it or not, only the third feature film with Apatow as director. Having both written and directed this newest project, the film clearly has the feel of being a very personal project. How much of the inspiration from this story comes from his own life is unknown, but any good writer or artist will...
Funny People is, believe it or not, only the third feature film with Apatow as director. Having both written and directed this newest project, the film clearly has the feel of being a very personal project. How much of the inspiration from this story comes from his own life is unknown, but any good writer or artist will...
- 7/31/2009
- by Travis
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Release Date: July 31
Director: Judd ApatowWriter: Judd ApatowCinematographer: Janusz KaminskiStarring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman
Studio/Run Time: Universal, 146 mins.
Honeymoon over, the bromance turns sour.
Funny People, like the manchildren that director Judd Apatow pillories, is blissfully unaware of its shortcomings. That’s mostly the fault of discordant subject material; the movie is a ham-fisted amalgam of comedy and drama that only partially succeeds at either. Veteran standup artist George Simmons (Adam Sandler) discovers he has terminal cancer and hires struggling comic Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) as his protégé and personal assistant. Ira is bedazzled at first by the fast-paced celebrity lifestyle, but later grows disgusted by his mentor’s egotism as George chases “the one that got away.”...
Director: Judd ApatowWriter: Judd ApatowCinematographer: Janusz KaminskiStarring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman
Studio/Run Time: Universal, 146 mins.
Honeymoon over, the bromance turns sour.
Funny People, like the manchildren that director Judd Apatow pillories, is blissfully unaware of its shortcomings. That’s mostly the fault of discordant subject material; the movie is a ham-fisted amalgam of comedy and drama that only partially succeeds at either. Veteran standup artist George Simmons (Adam Sandler) discovers he has terminal cancer and hires struggling comic Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) as his protégé and personal assistant. Ira is bedazzled at first by the fast-paced celebrity lifestyle, but later grows disgusted by his mentor’s egotism as George chases “the one that got away.”...
- 7/31/2009
- Pastemagazine.com
Woe betide the comic who dares to turn from wiener jokes to intimations of mortality. Yet in going for a rethink of "All That Jazz" with comedy instead of Broadway, Judd Apatow's "Funny People" turns out to be one of the most absorbing films of the year.
Plus it has lots of wiener jokes.
Comic actor George Simmons (Adam Sandler) has made millions doing crap comedy but doesn't feel good about his life. Or his death, which is approaching quickly thanks to a blood ailment.
Plus it has lots of wiener jokes.
Comic actor George Simmons (Adam Sandler) has made millions doing crap comedy but doesn't feel good about his life. Or his death, which is approaching quickly thanks to a blood ailment.
- 7/31/2009
- by By KYLE SMITH
- NYPost.com
America is founded on such principles as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, right? Well, you just got to be careful that you don’t abuse your liberty and that your pursuit of happiness doesn’t affect your life. For George Simmons (Adam Sandler), fame and fortune took him to a world where he lived friendless, detached, and lonely. He pursued his happiness and became a larger than life superstar but it resulted in his alienation from life. His recent diagnosis was the wake up call for him to realize just how empty his life really was. Fame, fortune, and possessions [...]...
- 7/31/2009
- by The Critic
- SmartCine.com
Before checking out Judd Apatow's latest comedy, get behind the scenes with our primer.
By Larry Carroll
Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen in "Funny People"
Photo: Tracy Bennett
Ever since "Knocked Up" came out two years ago and combined with "The 40-year-Old Virgin" to make a one-two comedic punch unlike anything we'd seen since the heyday of Mel Brooks, Hollywood has been eager to see what Judd Apatow would do next.
Now, with his third directorial effort, "Funny People," arriving in theaters, we present our "cheat sheet," providing everything you need to know before partaking in this weekend's "Funny" business.
The Build-Up
In the time leading up to the "Funny People" release, we got the scoop on some big stories. First, we visited the set and watched Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and the gang do stand-up. Then, we broke the news that Owen Wilson has a small gag in the film.
By Larry Carroll
Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen in "Funny People"
Photo: Tracy Bennett
Ever since "Knocked Up" came out two years ago and combined with "The 40-year-Old Virgin" to make a one-two comedic punch unlike anything we'd seen since the heyday of Mel Brooks, Hollywood has been eager to see what Judd Apatow would do next.
Now, with his third directorial effort, "Funny People," arriving in theaters, we present our "cheat sheet," providing everything you need to know before partaking in this weekend's "Funny" business.
The Build-Up
In the time leading up to the "Funny People" release, we got the scoop on some big stories. First, we visited the set and watched Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and the gang do stand-up. Then, we broke the news that Owen Wilson has a small gag in the film.
- 7/31/2009
- MTV Movie News
Judd Apatow heads off in a new direction.
Seth Rogen, Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler on the set of "Funny People"
Photo: Universal Pictures
George Simmons is a dying comic. Not just dying onstage — he's really dying, of leukemia. In Judd Apatow's "Funny People," Adam Sandler, in a strong and resolutely unsentimental performance, plays this character as a guy who's worked his way to the top of his trade — from bottom-rung standup gigs to blockbuster movies — and now, at 40, doesn't know what to do with the news that his time is up. What's it all been for? He recently moved into a huge Malibu mansion, through which he wanders like Charles Foster Kane adrift in the empty splendor of Xanadu. Which is to say, alone. "I don't have any friends," he tells Ira Wright, the guy he's hired to impersonate one. "I have showbiz friends."
Ira (Seth Rogen at...
Seth Rogen, Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler on the set of "Funny People"
Photo: Universal Pictures
George Simmons is a dying comic. Not just dying onstage — he's really dying, of leukemia. In Judd Apatow's "Funny People," Adam Sandler, in a strong and resolutely unsentimental performance, plays this character as a guy who's worked his way to the top of his trade — from bottom-rung standup gigs to blockbuster movies — and now, at 40, doesn't know what to do with the news that his time is up. What's it all been for? He recently moved into a huge Malibu mansion, through which he wanders like Charles Foster Kane adrift in the empty splendor of Xanadu. Which is to say, alone. "I don't have any friends," he tells Ira Wright, the guy he's hired to impersonate one. "I have showbiz friends."
Ira (Seth Rogen at...
- 7/31/2009
- MTV Movie News
Funny People
Starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann
Directed by Judd Apatow
Rated R
Judd Apatow looks for humor in situations that are the opposite of funny. Some of the greatest comics and writers who have ever lived have done the same thing. Maybe because it's harder or maybe because the laughs are more rewarding.
But a story about an average guy who has no love or acquaintances in his life and is therefore still a virgin at the age of 40 isn't funny, at least not to that guy. And a woman who makes a drunken mistake and gets pregnant isn't funny, either. It's regrettable.
With Funny People, Apatow explores the life of a man who learns he's dying of leukemia, and worse, that he has no friends or loved ones to console and comfort him. Ha ha.
To our surprise, these stories, all of which are original...
Starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann
Directed by Judd Apatow
Rated R
Judd Apatow looks for humor in situations that are the opposite of funny. Some of the greatest comics and writers who have ever lived have done the same thing. Maybe because it's harder or maybe because the laughs are more rewarding.
But a story about an average guy who has no love or acquaintances in his life and is therefore still a virgin at the age of 40 isn't funny, at least not to that guy. And a woman who makes a drunken mistake and gets pregnant isn't funny, either. It's regrettable.
With Funny People, Apatow explores the life of a man who learns he's dying of leukemia, and worse, that he has no friends or loved ones to console and comfort him. Ha ha.
To our surprise, these stories, all of which are original...
- 7/31/2009
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen in Funny People
Photo: Universal Pictures Definitely do not go into Funny People expecting The 40-Year-Old Virgin or Knocked Up because you aren't going to find either of those films here and you are only going to cause yourself agitation. For many I believe that will be the key to whether you end up enjoying this film on some level or walking away in disgust. Early reviews have already drawn the line between those that consider Judd Apatow's most down-to-earth film to date a bore and others that found a heart beat to his story-telling. I can't say I am down-the-middle only because I was never once bored, despite the 146-minute running time, thanks Apatow's top-notch story-telling ability. The main problem I had was that I came away from the film with very little, and to say something is accomplished is a stretch. I...
Photo: Universal Pictures Definitely do not go into Funny People expecting The 40-Year-Old Virgin or Knocked Up because you aren't going to find either of those films here and you are only going to cause yourself agitation. For many I believe that will be the key to whether you end up enjoying this film on some level or walking away in disgust. Early reviews have already drawn the line between those that consider Judd Apatow's most down-to-earth film to date a bore and others that found a heart beat to his story-telling. I can't say I am down-the-middle only because I was never once bored, despite the 146-minute running time, thanks Apatow's top-notch story-telling ability. The main problem I had was that I came away from the film with very little, and to say something is accomplished is a stretch. I...
- 7/31/2009
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Now that you've seen it, what did you think? Adam Sandler's former roommate and now famous producer and director Judd Apatow returns this summer with his third feature film - Funny People. Following both 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up, Apatow has undoubtedly made his most personal film to date, and yet potentially the funniest one. But at 146 minutes long, is it actually any good? Is there too much drama and not enough comedy? Or does it have just the right balance between humor and emotion? Sound off below, leave your thoughts, and let us know what you thought of Judd Apatow's Funny People! To fuel the fire, I liked Funny People quite a bit, but I think it has some huge flaws, which prevent it from become the next classic. The biggest problem is that George Simmons, the character Adam Sandler plays, is just an asshole -...
- 7/31/2009
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Plot: George Simmons is used to success. He has made several successful films, and has an uncanny success at picking up women. But he seems to fail at getting the right women and the right kinds of films. But the worst news is yet to come when he finds out he is dying. In an attempt to get back to his roots, he enlists the aid of a young ne.er do well comedian named Ira Wright. This young hopeful begins writing jokes for George and slowly the two become friends. All of that is...
- 7/31/2009
- by JimmyO
- JoBlo.com
Funny People
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman, Jonah Hill
Running Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Rating: R
Release Date: July 31st, 2009
Plot: An actor/comedian (Sandler) enlists the help of a young talent (Rogen) to write jokes for him on what may be his last comedy tour ever.
Who’s It For? Anyone who has been hooked into the Apatow Universe by whatever Funny movie he previously helped create will certainly enjoy this one.
Expectations: Considering Apatow’s high track record, I was hopeful that this was going to be as humorous as it was touching, while also giving an honest look at the current state of comedy.
Scorecard (0-10)
Actors:
Adam Sandler as George Simmons: Helping to create the aura of honesty within Funny People, Simmons is vastly self-reflective of Sandler’s career path (Simmons even made comedy albums in...
Directed by: Judd Apatow
Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jason Schwartzman, Jonah Hill
Running Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Rating: R
Release Date: July 31st, 2009
Plot: An actor/comedian (Sandler) enlists the help of a young talent (Rogen) to write jokes for him on what may be his last comedy tour ever.
Who’s It For? Anyone who has been hooked into the Apatow Universe by whatever Funny movie he previously helped create will certainly enjoy this one.
Expectations: Considering Apatow’s high track record, I was hopeful that this was going to be as humorous as it was touching, while also giving an honest look at the current state of comedy.
Scorecard (0-10)
Actors:
Adam Sandler as George Simmons: Helping to create the aura of honesty within Funny People, Simmons is vastly self-reflective of Sandler’s career path (Simmons even made comedy albums in...
- 7/31/2009
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
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