Funny Bones

Funny Bones is a 1995 dark comedy movie directed by Peter Chelsom and starring Jerry Lewis, Oliver Platt, and Lee Evans. The film follows the story of Tommy Fawkes (Oliver Platt), a struggling comedian who returns to his birthplace of Blackpool, UK, to find his funny bone and make his father, an acclaimed comedian George Fawkes (Jerry Lewis), proud.

The movie begins with Tommy Fawkes performing as a stand-up comedian in Las Vegas. However, his show is a flop, and he is fired by his agent. With his career in shambles, Tommy decides to go to Blackpool, UK. His plan is to find some inspiration for his comedy and also reconcile with his estranged father, George Fawkes, who is a well-respected comedian there.

Upon arrival, Tommy is greeted by Pogo (Lee Evans), a local misfit who performs clown acts in the streets. Tommy sees potential in Pogo and invites him to be his opening act for his show. The two go through some adventures and misadventures, such as getting drunk and performing an off-the-cuff show at a nursing home.

As the story unfolds, we get to know George Fawkes, Tommy's father, and his complicated backstory. George is a gifted comedian, but he also has a dark side and a traumatic past. We see glimpses of his childhood, including a brutal incident where he was bullied by other kids, which ultimately led to his comic genius.

The movie touches on themes of family, legacy, creativity, and the nature of comedy. It explores the idea that comedy isn't just about making people laugh; it's also about the pain behind the humor. The jokes are often an outlet for dealing with tragedy and life's challenges.

The performances of the three leads, Jerry Lewis, Oliver Platt, and Lee Evans, are exceptional. Jerry Lewis brings depth and gravitas to his character, George Fawkes. We see his humor, but we also understand the pain behind it. His scenes with Oliver Platt are some of the most emotional in the movie. Oliver Platt is convincing as a struggling comedian who's looking for his place in the world. He portrays Tommy with vulnerability and humor, making it easy for the audience to root for him. Lee Evans delivers a memorable performance as Pogo, the kooky clown with a heart of gold. He brings a lot of energy to his scenes and adds some comic relief to the dramatic story.

The film's visual style is also noteworthy. The cinematography and production design capture the grit and glamour of Blackpool, UK. The movie has a distinct look and feel that contributes to the overall tone. The use of color, lighting, and framing is creative and adds another layer to the story.

Overall, Funny Bones is a dark, emotional, and entertaining movie about comedy and family. It's not a typical comedy movie, but it has plenty of funny moments. The film's unique style and exceptional performances make it worth watching. Whether you're a fan of Jerry Lewis, a lover of dark comedies, or just looking for something different, this movie is worth checking out.