Funny Bones

Starring:Oliver Platt, Jerry Lewis, Lee Evans, Leslie Caron, Richard Griffiths, Oliver Reed, Sadie Corre, George Carl, Freddie Davies, Ian McNeice, Christopher Greet, Peter Gunn, Gavin Millar, William Hootkins, Terence Rigby, Ruta Lee, Peter Pamela Rose, Ticky Holgado, Olivier Py, Mouss
Director: Peter Chelsom
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Funny Bones, directed by Peter Chelsom (Hear My Song), is a weird but intriguing comedy with a particularly dark edge. Oliver Platt plays a would-be comedian, the son of a major comedy star (Jerry Lewis); Dad's reputation even overshadows his son's Las Vegas debut. After that flop the son tries to go back to his roots and heads for his father's launch pad in Blackpool, England. There, he meets his previously unknown half-brother (Lee Evans), a bizarre comedy savant who teaches him a thing or two about taking risks to get laughs, and discovers a secret about how his father got started. Platt is likably lost and Lewis is perfectly overbearing, but the real find here is Evans, a rubber-faced, protean comic with always-surprising material. --Marshall Fine

Description

Acclaimed by critics everywhere for its zany comedy and terrific cast, FUNNY BONES is big laughs for everyone! Struggling in the shadow of his famous comedian father (world-renowned entertainer Jerry Lewis), a young comic (Oliver Platt -- THE THREE MUSKETEERS, GUN SHY) retreats to his old hometown when his act bombs in Las Vegas. Ready to try anything for inspiration, he's in for more than a few surprises before learning that his own eccentric family is the best material for a perfect act! You'll want to discover for yourself this uncommon comedy treat that's packed with unforgettable fun!

Customer Reviews:

comedic gem.......2007-02-16

There are at least three--no, several more--comic skits in this quiet little gem that are priceless, especially a radio mime bit by Lee Evans that should be in some comedy hall of fame. It's funny and intelligent and screwy and charming and a credit to everyone who participated.

This movie deserves a bigger audience........2006-12-09

Leslie Caron, Jerry Lewis, Lee Evans, and Oliver Platt all contribute to a movie that should be more popular and more respected than it is.

Yes, the movie is dark and violent in places. The film is not a children's movie. But its depth and breadth are wonderfully filled with original takes on some standard characters. Humor, drama, much that is good and bad in families is richly presented.

If you wish to see how good an actor Jerry Lewis is, watch this film. If you wish to see Lee Evans in some of his best acting, watch this movie. If you want a movie that has beautiful cinematography and production values, then Funny Bones is a movie to watch.

Not sure what you mean by 'title' - the product was 'Funny Bones'.......2006-11-10

Smoothly and efficiently handled - prompt delivery - good prior advice of stages of transaction. Thank you.

Quirky, Haunting & Fascinating Mix.......2006-04-17

Here is one more somewhat-unknown film I wish got more notice, although I'm not sure how many would like it because it's so different. It's a bizarre combination of humor and tragedy, of supernatural and straight drama. It's just an odd combination, but I find it very, very interesting and I've seen it three times, equally fascinated each time.
The movie goes back and forth between drama and comedy which makes unsettling for some viewers, but not me. It kept me on my toes, so to speak, even with those multiple viewings. Also in here is another example of how good comedians can be in dramatic roles, in this case, veteran comic Jerry Lewis. Oliver Platt plays his son, and does an outstanding job as the main figure in this film. The comedy is really provided by others, most notably the most tragic figure in the film: "Jack Parker," effectively played by Lee Evans.
There is really is no way to adequately explain this strange film in a few paragraphs. I would just say if you are looking for something different, give this a try. And stay with it, even if the first half hour is not to your liking. You will be rewarded.

Walk Softly And Carry A Big Shtick.......2006-02-27

Funny Bones is a hilarious black comedy that got overlooked because it is too smart and multi-faceted for easy categorization. Admittedly the film has flaws. The Vegas-Blackpool connection is something of a kluge, and the Parker Brothers vaudeville act is a far cry from the Tommy Fawkes - two dogs walk into a bar - style of comedy that begins the movie. The sub-plot of stolen life-preserving powder, corrupt policemen, and French-Egyptians is a distraction at best, although the severed feet do provide a splendid "running" gag. But these criticisms are trivial when compared to what the movie gets right.

First, it totally understands the relationship between humor and pain, and gives an honest and sympathetic view of this bond, a bond that is closer than liver and onions, corned beef and cabbage, wang and chung. Next it features some true comedy genius, primarily thanks to Lee Evans as a semi-autistic virtual mime who is as funny in his interactions with a police psychologist as he is on stage in his one-man radio-riffing manic extravaganza. Those few minutes alone are worth the price of the movie, as is the scene where he and Platt sneak into the mortuary to retrieve the severed feet. Evans, Jack, has cleverly decided to stash the feet in a ski-boot case, and, to complete his disguise, carries a pair of skis with him. Priceless.

Equally inspired are the scenes where assorted Blackpool entertainers audition, (you'll replay this many times), and when we finally get to see the Parker Brothers do their famous act - vaudeville at its very best. That the Parker Brothers live inside a roller coaster and earn their living as human mannequins in a chamber of horrors train-ride is simply par for the course in Funny Bones.

Oliver Platt is very good as a man trying to survive a narcissistic and insufferable father. Leslie Caron still looks good although her contribution is minor, and Oliver Reed makes the most of a small part. The surprise is Jerry Lewis. This is not the obnoxious, pseudo-retarded Jerry Lewis you've come to know and hate through decades of despicable films. This is the Jerry Lewis you saw in King Of Comedy, another movie that looked unflinchingly at the relationship between comedy and pain. He's not on camera much, but every moment he is rings true and affirms the movie's authenticity.

Wonderfully cracked, characters you have to love, extremely funny, well made. Don't miss this one. And the first dog says....

Average customer rating:

Big Scream TV: Funny Bones Volume 2

Manufacturer: FITCO
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Big Scream TV: Crystal Ball! Volume 3
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ASIN: B00068DX4G

Product Description

Novelty Video for Use as Visual Wallpaper or Ambient Background for Parties or Feature in Windows to Amaze, Thrill & Mystify Halloween Trick-or-Treaters! DVD includes 3 versions: Tame Version - Less Frightening intended for the younger or more sensitive, UnTame Version - Scary Laughs and Fun How To Tips - Learn how to make a head float in darkness and see how to use this video in all sorts of spooky, fun and innovative ways! Each part is selectable from the DVD menu and it is programmed to loop indefinitely so your display can go on uninterrupted all night!

Average customer rating:

comedic gem
This movie deserves a bigger audience.
Not sure what you mean by 'title' - the product was 'Funny Bones'
Quirky, Haunting & Fascinating Mix
Walk Softly And Carry A Big Shtick

Funny Bones [Region 2]
Starring: Oliver Platt , Jerry Lewis , Lee Evans , Leslie Caron , and Richard Griffiths
Director: Peter Chelsom
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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