Synopsis:

When seasoned comedian George Simmons learns of his terminal, inoperable health condition, his desire to form a genuine friendship cause him to take a relatively green performer under his wing as his opening act.

The Freak's Rating: C- : Adam Sandler, believe it or not, has been in a few of my favorite comedies. As mindless as Happy Gilmore is, it hit video at the perfect time in my college life and I adored it. Billy Madison, though ridiculous, still has some appeal to me and I even giggle a little during The Waterboy. Sandler has attempted to take turns with his role choices over the past few years, no doubt due to agent/PR influence, and they mostly fall flat. Funny People is, sadly, another example of this type of failure.

As likeable as Seth Rogen is to audiences, he is semi-talentless in anything outside of a typical comedy. Knocked Up was his largest stretch as an actor and here he has little to add to the picture. Though Leslie Mann, a vastly underrated comic, has a nice turn, she is outdone by the awfulness of Eric Bana, playing her husband.

The major issue with Funny People is indecision. Is it a comedy or a drama? At times it leans heavily toward each genre, ultimately leaving the audience confused on whether to laugh or think about the punch lines the actors deliver. This indecision forces the film to be mediocre in nearly all areas, sporting only a few laughs and solid dramatic moments. Fans of Sandler continue searching his resume for another pick here. This just needed a little more post-production to make a good film.

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