Comedy is something that helps us escape our sadness. We turn to stand up comedians and goofy movies to brighten our day and see life with a sunnier disposition. But what happens when comedians and movie stars encounter the same problems? Mid-life crises and near death experiences; they go through them all just like the rest of us do. But they go on stage and perform; even when they are going through things that would make us turn hermit.
   
This is what “Funny People” is about at its core. Who cheers up the people who cheer us up? It turns out they look to each other more often than not. While some of them aren’t close friends, they can support each other in the end. “People” gives us a look at the behind the scenes of comedy better than any movie I can remember. Judd Apatow based the script heavily on when he was roommates with Adam Sandler and they were coming up in the world of comedy. This lends a sense of genuineness to the movie that others try to fake and don’t come close to achieving.
   
Sandler and Rogan outdo themselves in this film, and I think that creates so much of the reality of the story. You can tell everyone in the cast cared about the material and their A-game is on display for us to enjoy. At almost two-and-a-half hours most people would say that’s too long for a comedy, but I ended up caring so much about these characters I wanted it to last another hour. They had sucked me in to their world and I never wanted to leave. This movie was worth the price of admission, and it will have a welcome place among my favorite DVD shelf.

“Funny People”
Director: Judd Apatow
Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogan, Leslie Mann
Runtime: 2 hours, 26 minutes
MPAA rating: R
Reviewer rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Kyle Lee is an unabashed nerd who has loved movies for a very long time.