The best comedy of 2015 (so far) and Judd Apatow’s best film since Knocked Up (2007) too. Funny People (2009) had a great premise and good talent attached, but it didn’t live up to its potential and was overlong. This is 40 (2012) felt too mean spirited and lacked the comedic spark of his earlier work. It’s great to see Apatow back in fine form and a film that demonstrates the strong comedic ability of Amy Schumer.
Schumer plays Amy, a woman who’s told from a young age by her father that monogamy isn’t possible (realistic to be exact). She takes it to heart and lives a hedonistic, commitment free lifestyle. When she starts to feel a romantic connection with the sports doctor she’s writing an article on, her outlook begins to change.
The cast is phenomenal and pretty much all the humor works. Amy Schumer plays her role so well and is like the female equivalent of a “bro”. Bill Hader is great yet again as the likeable doctor, Aaron that Amy begins to fall for. The gorgeous Brie Larson is a great contrast to Amy as her younger sister, Kim, who’s married and becomes pregnant. This makes for some great humor as Amy takes every opportunity she can to mock and ridicule the lifestyle Kim has become a part of. John Cena is surprisingly hilarious as a boyfriend who was not meant to be for Amy. LeBron James shows off some impressive acting chops too, playing a fictional version of himself. Him and Hader have good chemistry. The poor health of Amy and Kim’s father serves as the dramatic center of the film and doesn’t feel forced or excessive. There’s also believable dramatic conflict with Amy and Aaron’s relationship. We’re left hoping as viewers that things will work out even though Amy’s personality and lifestyle is so resistant to it.
As a whole, it’s a great comedy that’s a fine return to form for Apatow and a promising start for Amy Schumer’s career in Hollywood.
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