I have never been on board Team Apatow. The two films he’s helmed have been the kind of experiences that frustrate me to no end. I expected more of the same with Funny People – and went in half expecting to walk out. As it turns out, I will be going back a second time.

While Judd still remains in the Kevin Smith category of “writers who should stay writers and not direct as they have no visual style or cinematic eye,” with Funny People he serves up a bunch of characters I just enjoyed spending time with – and despite the film nearing two and a half hours, I didn’t want it to end. This is up there with Sandler’s best performances – right up there with Barry Egan. He is the film, and it’s something that should not be missed.