Movie reviews: ‘Adam’, ‘Funny People’ endearing flicks

» "Adam" —We've been through a summer of unusual—and unusually good—romantic comedies. "Away We Go" and "(500) Days of Summer" have taken off beat storytelling routes to navigate the territory of the human heart. Each film offers laughs and goes beyond jokes to remind us of the real risks and rewards of opening your emotions to someone else. Now, another film has joined this far-too-small list of quality relationship films. "Adam" is one you're likely to cherish and remember for some time.

Hugh Darcy ("Jane Austen Book Club," "Confessions of A Shopaholic") is Adam, a very intelligent young man who's lived a very sheltered life. The sheltering has been because he suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, a form of high functioning autism. Though he's able to live on his own, social interaction is difficult for him. He sometimes seems aloof and takes common statements literally.

Though he'll be able to survive in the world, it appears as if Adam won't really get a chance to "live." That begins to change, however, when a new neighbor moves in upstairs. Beth (Rose Byrne, of the television series "Damages" and the film "28 Weeks Later") is a sweet, smart writer who's dealing with some difficult times of her own. Bad relationships have left her wary of new things and people.

Though her first few encounters with Adam aren't exactly promising, she soon discovers that, just past the seemingly implacable exterior is a mind and heart of unique quality. The two begin to make a connection that must withstand not only the well meaning interference of parents and friends, but the limits and quirks of their individual personas.

Director and screenwriter Max Mayer has crafted a story that skillfully and gracefully avoids the pitfalls and clichés of other films about relationships with "special" people. His script and Darcy's acting combine nicely to make Adam a three dimensional character who earns our respect and affection honestly, not through manipulative touches.

Byrne is equally terrific. Her Beth is strong, yet able to be vulnerable without seeming weak. The challenges they face, both as individuals and as a couple are presently and dealt with honestly. Mayer even delivers an ending that's satisfying and believable without the kind of syrupy or mawkish touches many Hollywood films rely on.

Summer is usually the season of the blockbuster and smaller films usually get passed by this time of year. If you've had enough of that mentality, step up to the box office and enjoy a fresh and simple story well told. "Adam" is that film and we're awfully lucky to have it—and the other small gems I mentioned—in this summer of "Transformers" and "Terminators." Rated PG-13 for profanity, sexuality and adult content. Joe's rating: Three and one half stars.

Also in theaters:

» "Funny People"—Judd Apatow's films aren't always my favorites. Though they're often laugh out loud funny, the gross, crude humor and last minute turns the plots take toward sentimentality often seem forced. Though "Funny People" has many of these elements, Apatow seems to get a better grasp on delivering real emotion here and, thanks to a very strong lead performance by Adam Sandler, the movie works well.

Sandler is George Simmons, a top, stand-up comic turned box office superstar. Though he's got the world at his feet, he's a lonely, isolated man. When he's diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal blood disease, he begins to re-evaluate his life. Returning to the stand-up circuit to distract himself from his illness, George hires a struggling young comic named Ira (Seth Rogen) as his new personal assistant.

News from he doctors moves George to make a sentimental journey to find the woman he loved, but lost (Leslie Mann from "Knocked Up.")  Love, life and career are all considerations facing George—and Ira—as they deal with that journey and its ramifications.

Sandler's layered and not always loveable performance really drives "Funny People," giving it an energy and grit that balances its stand-up comedy portions. Though those moments are quite funny, they still rely far too heavily on the Apatow trait of sophomoric, sexually graphic jokes. A "who's who" of current and past stand up stars add to the laughs in small cameos.

The chemistry between Sandler and Rogen and Sandler and Mann keeps "Funny" out of the story-telling ditches its far too crude bits and too long running time (just over two and a quarter hours) threaten to drag it into. "Funny People," tears and smiles and all, may just be the best surprise of the season. Rated R for pervasive profanity, crude sexual humor and references and sexual content. Joe's rating: Three stars.

Joe Barber's entertainment reports and reviews can be heard Fridays through Sundays on the WTOP-FM Radio Network (103.5, 103.9, 107.7 & Wtop.com.) He can be seen regularly on WETA-TV's Around Town and Fridays on Comcast Sports Net's Washington Post Live!