The latest shot out of Judd Apatow's golden cannon, Funny People, opened in American theaters last weekend. The film follows famous but forlon comedian George Simmons (played by and based on the comedy, but not life of, Adam Sandler) through a near death crisis, which he weathers by hiring aspiring stand-up comedian Ira Knight (Seth Rogen) to be his assistant/joke writer/mentee/best friend.

The film is funny and touching, and takes two or three twists beyond the formulaic comedies for which Sandler and Apatow are so famous. While there are plenty of dick and fart jokes, Funny People is more than a crude comedy; it conjures the sort of emotional honesty that captures both men at their best. Think Freaks & Geeks or the better parts of Knocked Up meet Punch Drunk Love. An added bonus is the cadre of comedians who cameo, whether as full fledged parts, playing themselves, in a stand-up act, or in some of the smaller roles.

A quick review of some of the Funny People:

• Adam Sandler: Sandler goes beyond his Happy/Billy Madisonesque mugging and antics, delivering an honest performance. Perhaps only because we're so used to seeing him play the clown, when he gets serious Sandler seems extra earnest- and it works here. Of note is the juxtaposition of the more serious Sandler with fake footage of George Simmons' film career, especially when he plays a giant baby with a man face.
• Seth Rogen: Rogen looks like he's lost 20 lbs and 10 years, he almost looks like he's back on Undeclared. He's likable as Ira Knight and believable as an aspiring stand-up; his pre show butterflies feel real and eventual successes feel worthy of celebration. I know some people don't care for Rogen; but if you're tired of his deadpan and sarcasm, in Funny People he plays it a little straighter.
• Eric Bana: Hilarious as the Australian husband who gets cuckolded by Simmons. I'm unfamiliar with Bana, but I thought he was great. He plays meathead really well, and the Aussie flourishes will make you shit your panties, mate.
• Leslie Mann: Mann delivers a solid dramatic performance, I guess less funny than touching. There are some scenes that linger forever on her face while Simmons tells her he's dying and she pulls it off. Unfortunately, she's less successful trying to be funny later in the film.
• Jonah Hill: Hill does his usual Jonah Hill thing, playing the touchyfat kid. It works, but not as well as it did in Superbad.
• Jason Schwartzman: Schwartzman (sp?) is great in this, playing a not unfamiliar character- a shallow premadonna who's found C level success on a ridiculous teen show called "Yo, Teach". The scenes from the faux sitcom are hilarious, his best contribution to the film.
• Aziz Ansari: Recognizable from his role as the racist fruit peddler in Flight of the Concords, Ansari delivers my favorite bits of stand-up included in the film.
• The RZA: Ok, so the illustrious Bobby Digital only has a small role as Ira's coworker at Otto's Deli. But still, having the RZA in your movie is awesome.
• Sarah Silverman: Silverman steals a particularly star-studded scene in the film where she explains to Simmons why he would do better to never sleep with her, contorting her face into sloppy mock growler.
• Eminem: Slim Shady gets a little weird in a quick scene where he suggests Simmons kill himself to escape life's meaninglessness. Not really that funny.
• Aubrey Plaza: Plaza plays Ira's love interest who sleeps with his roommates, and has a couple funny moments at the mic. Noteworthy is her rant about the slut double standard after Ira calls her out for cheating on him before they start dating.
• Andy Dick: Shows up for a minute and gets made fun of for being gay.
• Dave Attell: Makes a dick joke.

I could go on and on recalling the funny bit parts and cameos, but I'll stop there. Chances are if you like stand-up comedy, you're bound to spot someone you know in Funny People. Also promising are the gems sure to arise upon a second or third viewing. It's worth it with this one...