Saturday, August 15, 2009

Funny People


Friday night. Yes, it's true. Sometimes I really pay full price to see a film. And on a Friday night even! The historical "date night". I know, insane. Fellow Dominican relief trip cohort Sabrina and I hit up Funny People. (And by "Dominican" I use it as an adjective for the relief trip, not the person. Sabrina is not in fact Dominican.)

The trailer, complete with some pottymouth words so, you've been warned:


A long film. A lot of storylines crammed into one film. The lives of struggling vs. established stand-up comics. The interdependent lives of three Hollywood friends (two struggling). The face of mortal illness. The opportunity to turn around one's life with a second chance. The relationship with that one woman who you loved (love) most. The possible reconnection with past love. The consequences with respect to interpersonal relationships.

A lot of ground to cover.

Granted it's a Judd Apatow film (The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up) so this one has that particular brand of comedy with the usual suspects. But it's a drama first and foremost. The comedy is the icing on the cake, or the gravy with dinner: the comedy is not the main course, but it's a tasty garnish. If you're expecting full-blown Adam Sandler / Judd Apatow raw humor (ahem, Sabrina) you may be disappointed.

That and it's oh so long.

A score of Matinee for me.

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