"Funny People" Hits In Theaters With Uneasy Mix Of Humor And Heart

“Funny People” the latest from director Judd Apatow, will implement more dramatic elements than seen in his previous hit comedies “Knocked Up” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”, is all it's cracked up to be, and has its share of crude jokes about body parts. At its heart, though, is a somber story about a famous comedian, Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons, whose personal life is sorely lacking. He cheated on his one great love, Laura (Leslie Mann), and spends his middle-aged days — and nights — pursuing a string of meaningless dalliances. A medical diagnosis prompts him to take stock of his unexamined life. George is by turns funny, imperious, engaging and self-obsessed but always compelling. It is easily Sandler's best and most multi-faceted performance.

"Funny People" may not be Apatow's funniest movie, however, and more interestingly, it's his best film, deep and rich and unexpectedly honest while still being remarkably funny. It is a true brass ring effort, a reach for excellence that takes big risks. Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, takes a decidedly less funny path to storytelling at times when talking about the mortality of its main character. We know that comedy can always lead to drama and vice versa, so we explore some of the funny people who've traversed the invisible thread between the two genres, and comment on their journey.