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Funny Bones (1995)

A review by Damian Cannon.
Copyright © Movie Reviews UK 1997
Although billed as a comedy Funny Bones is anything but that, instead the dominant theme is of tragedy combined with broad slapstick. In a film full of comedians there is a strange dearth of laughs with the emphasis firmly on the dark side of humour (ranging from the stealing of material to the psychotic fringes of physical comedy). Central to the plot is Jack Parker (Lee Evans), a man blessed with a super-abundance of talent and no way to control it. Jack is surrounded by his showbiz family, all of whom seem to have been 'something' in the past.

In contrast, Tommy Fawkes (Oliver Platt) is a rising comedian with very good connections. Unfortunately one of these is his father George (Jerry Lewis) who casts a very lengthy shadow and, unknowingly, pushes Tommy over the edge. This forces Tommy to take refuge in Blackpool (his childhood home), coming into contact with the Parker family with revealing consequences.

As a vehicle for Lee Evan's talent this film has its good and bad parts, with most of the good times coming when Evans indulges in his characteristic act. Unfortunately the rest of the movie is rather flat with few highlights to liven the atmosphere. Coupled with an overlong script, containing superfluous sub-plots such as the search for a missing egg which contains some sort of life-enhancing powder, the movie founders in its search for brilliance. In summary, Funny Bones is probably worth catching on video - if only to see Lee Evans.

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