8. Funny People - Yo Teach
If youre ever going to be as bold as to make a film called Funny People, you better make damn sure it is funny. Judd Apatows third feature film starring Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen is most certainly not funny. You can argue that the aim of the film is less to make you laugh, but to make you cry, with Sandlers famous comedian diagnosed with leukaemia at the films offset. However, Funny People tries so hard to make you chortle, while failing on almost all counts (particularly with the live recorded stand-up sequences). Its odd that the man who championed the modern age of R-rated comedy ended up being unable to keep up with the pack. However, in a film overflowing with attempts at humour, there is one part that works brilliantly. Jason Schwartzman plays Mark Taylor Jackson, star of sitcom Yo Teach, a spoof of the poor kids comedies produced by the likes of Nickelodeon. The spoof sections are hilarious, but the sharpest parts are witnessing Mark rattle on how he believes himself to be a big success. Its not one particular scene, but every time Yo Teach is mentioned, the film becomes just that little bit good. Theres even a
YouTube channel full of clips from the fake show, which are well worth checking out.