Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Funny People
2009
***½
Director: Judd Apatow
Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill, Aubrey Plaza, Jason Schwartzman, Eric Bana, Rza, Maude Apatow, Iris Apatow

It's lonely at the top. When George Simmons, a popular comedian, is diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, he realises that he has nothing to show for his life, apart from the riches. His new assistant, on the other hand, is a young and idealistic funnyman, just like himself 20 years ago. Fame is a double-edged sword and the two men represent two sides of the same coin. These themes are not particularly new, but Judd Apatow's (over)long autobiographical story develops into a warm, funny and moving study of loneliness and friendship. Like his previous film Knocked Up, this is a raunchy comedy with a very conservative undertone; the jokes revolve around frivolous sex and masturbation, but everyone's ultimate goal is to live in a meaningful monogamous relationship. Eric Bana, who plays the husband of George's old flame, gives a forgettably hammy performance.