| OK, so we should have mentioned this a couple of days ago, but better late than never: the trailer for Judd Apatow’s new movie, Funny People, has gone online at Moviefone. And, while it appears to give away virtually the entire movie, we like it. A lot. In case you weren’t aware, Apatow’s third movie as director, following The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up, is another funny/serious slice of life, this time adding Adam Sandler to the population of Apatown.* Sandler, who worked with Apatow previously on You Don’t Mess With The Zohan, stars as George Simmons, a world-famous movie star and stand-up comic (don’t worry, it does look like he gets to stretch) who bonds with up-and-comer Ira Wright (Seth Rogen), just as he’s diagnosed with a fatal illness (or is it?). With time running out (or is it?), George must get his priorities right – and, the trailer strongly suggests, that includes winning his ex-wife, Leslie Mann (Apatow’s real-life missus), from her current husband, Eric Bana. Problem is, Bana’s Aussie seems to be a really nice bloke. Dilemmas heaped upon conundrums, piled upon problems – all shot through with some lovely dry wit, while the Apatow repertory company, here including Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman as a Greek chorus of nitwits, seems to be in fine fettle. Sandler looks like this role may be one of his most likeable to date, while we’re particularly glad to see Eric Bana get a chance to show off his funnybone for a change. So it looks promising, and miles better than that below-par skit Apatow made for last night’s Oscar ceremony. As a producer, Apatow can be pretty hit-and-miss, but as a director, so far he’s two for two. Funny People could well clinch his hat-trick. But don’t take our word for it. Click here to see the new trailer for Judd Apatow’s latest movie, Funny People.
|
