The life of a comedian is not all fun and games, in fact it can be down-right depressing, especially if you’re George Simmons, who is forced, through a terminal illness, to reassess his life, and connect with lost loves and human beings in general.
This latest offering by director Judd Apatow (40-year-old Virgin, Knocked Up ) is a more grown-up attempt at comedy combined with serious drama. However, despite the brilliant start and a lot of great gags the film loses its appeal slightly towards the end.
Simmons (Adam Sandler ), who began his career as a revered stand-up comedian, sold out years ago to make his millions in cheesy children’s films. His bubble is burst when he is diagnosed with a terminal blood disorder and put on experimental treatments. Simmons begins to reassess his life and decides to go back to comedy basics. It is at an open mic night that he meets Ira Wright (Seth Rogen ), a struggling up-and-coming comedian. In desperate need of some fresh material and some companionship Simmons hires Wright to be his assistant. Wright jumps at the chance at leaving his dead-end deli job but the job involves more then just writing gags, he pretty much becomes the only real friend and confidante Simmons has ever had.
Things get a little bit more complicated (and boring ) when Simmons decides to reconnect with the love of his life Laura (Leslie Mann ) who is now married to Aussie man Clarke (Eric Bana ) with two beautiful children.
The film starts off with plenty of laughs, even an appointment with a giant Swedish doctor provides opportunities for Simmons and Wright to joke around. This scene with references to the doctor’s scary Die-Hard like accent is hilarious. Wright’s friend and flatmate Leo (Jonah Hill ) is also a scene stealer, it’s impossible to keep a straight face when the camera is on him. The main downfall is the Simmons/Laura/Clarke love triangle, it’s just not that funny and far too drawn out.
I do like the fusion of comedy and an ill man’s attempts to fix his final days but the film was just too long. Sandler has always been a bit hit and miss for me. Rogen, on the otherhand, excels here and is also sporting a much slimmer and cuter look these days. It’s certainly a good watch, but don’t expect Apatow’s usual side-splitting comedy.
Verdict: 3.5/5
