May 19, 2009 
source: traileraddict.com
A batch of new TV spots for Judd Apatow‘s upcoming feature Funny People have landed online. Everything we’ve seen from this movie looks both hilarious and touching, so we have to ask: Is Funny People a genuine Oscar contender?
The film stars Adam Sandler as George Simmons, a comic superstar who finds out he is dying. He takes an up and coming stand-up comedian (played by a scarily skinny Seth Rogen) under his wing, and attempts to make amends with the woman that got away (Leslie Mann).
Funny People also features Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman, Aziz Ansari and umm, RZA. The following TV spots highlight the extended cast. Look out for the dig at the Wayan’s Brothers flick Little Man. God that movie was terrible.
http://www.traileraddict.com/emd/11081
http://www.traileraddict.com/emd/11052
http://www.traileraddict.com/emd/11079
According to some test-screening chatter, the movie is great (“James L. Brooks-ian” to be exact) and a possible Oscar contender for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor (for Sandler).
I’m definitely feeling the James L. Brooks vibe from the trailers. Of course, Brooks took his classic films As Good As It Gets, Broadcast News and Terms of Endearment to Best Picture nominations at the Academy Awards. However, his last film Spanglish (which also starred Sandler) was met with a tepid critical response.
Of course, Sandler has proven his acting ability in films such as Punch Drunk Love, so it’s not impossible for him to up his game once again. But can writer/director Judd Apatow get any Oscar love in 2010?
His first two films, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up were received with almost unanimous critical acclaim. Apatow received Best Original Screenplay nominations from the Writers Guild of America for both films, and if Funny People meets expectations, he is likely to receive a third.
Without having seen the film, it’s literally impossible to judge whether or not this is even worth discussing. However, as a massive Apatow fan, I’m getting very excited for Funny People, and would love to see the Apatow Crowd head on up to the Oscar podium next year.
Funny People opens September 10th, 2009 in Australia.
Discuss: What are your thoughts on Judd Apatow’s films? Looking forward to Funny People? Is it a legitimate Oscar contender? How do you feel about the term “dramedy?” Because I hate it.
Quickflix 
Looking Forward To Funny People!!