A boisterous first hour builds good will. Strong performances sustain us through the next uneven 90 minutes.
Comment
09/06/09
Funny People (2009)
68
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:207
Fresh:141
Rotten:66
Average Rating:6.3/10
Consensus: Funny People features the requisite humor, as well as considerable emotional depth, resulting in Judd Apatow's most mature film to date.
Theatrical Release:28-08-2009
Synopsis: Over the past few years, writer/director Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up) has shown that nothing?not even losing your virginity or the miracle of childbirth?is sacred. About his... [More]
Reviews for Funny People
Top CriticThe first part of the film is terrific and very funny. Apatow perfectly captures the ruthless competitiveness of young comics.
09/01/09
The film is drawn out, its mixture of coarse comedy and deep seriousness about the theory and practice of comedy both embarrassing and self-indulgent.
09/01/09
A relatively sophisticated comedy - despite the male insecurity fixations - and one that rings true on the oddballs paid to make us laugh.
08/31/09
An absolute treat. In spite of its disappointing climax, this is Apatow’s smartest, rudest and — yes — funniest film yet.
08/29/09
Top CriticThis is a generous, goodhearted, enjoyable movie, loaded with memorable characters and genuine wit. But there’s such a thing as giving a little too much.
08/29/09
Top CriticRoll up, ladies and gentlemen, and witness the unfortunate case of the conjoined films: a 90 minute comedy with some winning performances stuck to a 60 minute made-for-TV life drama.
08/29/09
Top CriticA healthy dose of negativity might have helped to tone this baggy indulgence of a movie into some kind of workable shape. Not every idea is a good idea, after all.
08/29/09
Top CriticFans of The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up will find much the same measure of sentiment and ribaldry — ie, too much of both — and, if it’s possible, even less of a grasp on what lesser film-makers call “story”.
08/29/09
Top CriticOne of the most enjoyable films of the year.
08/29/09
Top CriticThe film has some obvious problems – it sprawls, and goes on too long. But it’s funny in such a thoughtful, rounded, adult way, and deflects sentimentality so confidently, that it won me over anyway.
08/29/09
Top CriticDespite it being too long, not entirely convincing and being disgustingly but accurately described as a dra-medy, it’s still funny as hell.
08/29/09
Aside from being long-winded, the action is contrived; veering from slapstick to saccharine. That's a pity for Sandler because he shines for the most part.
08/29/09
There's loads to enjoy in this defiantly maturing comedy drama from one of the few directors powerful enough to get such a film made.
08/29/09
At almost two-and-a-half hours, this is stretched way beyond the length the story warrants, with overlong segments that slow the narrative down and a central section that sags dramatically.
08/29/09
A comedy-drama full of beauty and ugliness, profundity and profanity. Eventually loses its way but, for at least 100 minutes, it’s some sort of masterpiece.
08/29/09
I loved this, it’s hilarious, heart warming and a little stroke of genius..
08/29/09
Life, death and comedy... Funny People is a thoughtful and funny comedy indulgence.
08/29/09
There is little insight here beyond showing that comics rely on jokes about sexual organs. And that, like Sandler's career, soon ceases to provide big laughs.
08/29/09
Top CriticSandler has gained dramatic weight and variety. But if I want to see him play Hamlet, I’d rather have Shakespeare as the scriptwriter.
08/29/09
Latest News for Funny People
September 07, 2009:
Five Favourite Films with Richard Curtis
Richard Curtis has a plan. "What I've decided is to choose recent films," he explains to RT. "I do think that often people get stuck in always saying the five greatest films of... More...
August 02, 2009:
Box Office Guru Wrapup: Funny People Leads Sluggish Weekend
Comedy heavyweights Adam Sandler and Judd Apatow claimed the number one spot with their new dramedy Funny People which debuted to only moderate results leading the entire top... More...
August 01, 2009:
Has its moments but when bad things happen to funny people, they might not be that funny anymore. 
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July 31, 2009:
Friday Harvest: TRON Legacy, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and more!
Happy Friday Harvest, a weekly round-up of the best pictures, posters, and videos that have become available for viewing/download on Rotten Tomatoes. Each section features the... More...
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