[4]

This is the first miss for Judd Apatow, coming off a string of memorable comedy hits like The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up. Funny People features the usual array of wacky Apatow characters, but the personality and relationship patterns are disappointingly familiar. Funny People is obviously an attempt to make a deeper, more sophisticated film, but in the end, the only thing that distinguishes Funny People from Apatow’s other movies is that it isn’t very funny. The first half of the movie is about Adam Sandler coping with dying, and the second half is about his attempt to steal his ex-girlfriend from her new husband and family. The script is disjointed, and for a movie trying to be a tonal departure, everything ends just as maudlin as the next Hollywood comedy. Apatow was aiming for a James L. Brooks comedy/drama, but even James L. Brooks isn’t James L. Brooks anymore.

The best reason to see Funny People is to watch some funny performers dabble in a smidge of drama. Eric Bana is very good as the husband of Sandler’s ex. Leslie Mann is, as always, terrific — especially when she mocks Bana’s Australian accent. The only weak link in the ensemble cast is Aubrey Plaza, whose wooden line deliveries and stiff posture make her better suited for an Ed Wood movie. With Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, and Jason Schwartzman.