'Funny People' they are not

Adam Sandler, Eric Bana and Seth Rogen star in Universal
Pictures' "Funny People."

Judd Apatow's name has become synonymous with funny movies but his latest effort - a dramedy titled "Funny People" - has threatened his legitimacy.

Apatow is known for his directorial work on "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up." However, he has also produced a number of successful comedies, such as "Superbad," "Pineapple Express" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." So, the fact that "Funny People" is such a dismal failure is not only a first for the filmmaker but also a first for moviegoers who have come to trust Apatow with their hard-earned cash.

Adam Sandler stars as stand-up comedian and movie star George Simmons in the Universal Pictures motion picture. Usually a fairly cheery character, George's sense of humor dissipates when he is diagnosed with Leukemia. Believing he has only a few short months to live, George delivers a horribly pessimistic stand-up routine at a comedy club which, subsequently, fuels another comedian's routine.

That other comedian is Ira Wright, portrayed by Seth Rogen. Ira has been struggling as a comedian and still does not get paid for his appearances. His only source of income is working the deli counter at a supermarket. Ira lives with Leo (Jonah Hill) - another struggling comedian - and Mark (Jason Schwartzman) - the lead actor on a popular NBC sitcom.

When George enlists Ira's assistance writing fresh material, the duo bonds while hitting a variety of gigs. George also entrusts his mortal diagnosis to Ira who, in turn, encourages George to reach out to his family and friends - including former flame Laura (Leslie Mann), causing a riff between she and her husband Clarke (Eric Bana).

It would be easy to reveal more about the plot of "Funny People" as the film's trailers did a splendid job spoiling every key moment but I will leave the synopsis at that. "Funny People" is really just a story about friendship. The only question is whether it is a comedy or a drama.

Sure, there is the term dramedy for these kinds of flicks but that would also imply that "Funny People" was remotely, well, funny. It is not. There is not a single comical line during the film's nearly two-and-a-half-hour running time. Even the stand-up routines are painfully flat. Like George, perhaps Apatow needed someone to help write his jokes.

Therefore, it is up to the drama of "Funny People" to salvage it. And, while the drama is fairly mediocre, the movie is still moderately entertaining to sit through. This is only because these two lead actors are well-known and well-liked. At times, "Funny People" feels like a documentary considering the two comedians' friendship comes across rather authentic and very well could be just that.

On the other hand, this is far from a success and there really is no one to blame but Apatow. He wrote and directed "Funny People." He also made the poor decision to cast his own two daughters in the film. Sure, they are cute, but forcing moviegoers to watch a performance from an elementary school's production of "Cats" is just taking advantage of his directorial power. Then again, it does add to George's character development. It just feels manipulative.

So, in a statement to Apatow on behalf of the fans out there who have come to honor and respect him, we are extremely disappointed. However, you have given us more comedic gems than we deserved over the past few years and understand the need to occasionally expel something different from your system. Therefore, we are pleased to give you another chance to make us laugh.

Just leave your kids out of it next time.