'Bridesmaids' now highest-grossing Apatow production

While everyone is reporting on the financial success of Michael Bay's newest visual feast "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," there are some accolades in order for a much smaller picture that recently reached a major milestone. 

Just yesterday, the Judd Apatow produced comedy "Bridesmaids" financially surpassed Apatow's previous hit "Knocked Up," making it his highest grossing production ever. The film has grossed an impressive $149.3 million to date and is on track to become the highest grossing female-fronted R-rated comedy of all time.

A title currently held by "Sex and the City." Movieline is reporting that "Bridesmaids" could beat out "Sex and the City" by as early as next week. So without further ado, congratulations Judd Apatow on your achievement. 

Movie Review: "Bridesmaids"

Seen on: May 13, 2011

The players: Director: Paul Feig, Writers: Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper

Facts of interest: Feig also helmed numerous episodes of "The Office."

The plot: The story follows a stressed maid of honor (Wiig) who has trouble handling a bunch of crazy bridesmaids.

Our thoughts: The posters look fantastic, the trailers are hilarious, and a cast like this one promises nothing but fun. The actual movie? Well, let’s just say it could be a bit better. Although it boasts a bunch of glorious scenes filled with solid laughs, Paul Feig’s new comedy “Bridesmaids” doesn’t quite succeed in wanting to be the most entertaining comedy we’ve seen in a long time. It’s a good flick, but it might not deserve all the praise it’s been getting.

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Good news: Judd Apatow picks next project

Good news for all Judd Apatow fans. The filmmaker has picked his next project, and Univeral will release the film in theaters June 1, 2012, according to Deadline. He will write, produce and direct the flick.

The project is untitled and plot details are unknown. Apatow last directed "Funny People," which I really enjoyed. It did not perform as well though as "Knocked Up" and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."

Judd Apatow produces another comedy

Judd Apatow, the guy behind recent comedies "Funny People" and "Knocked Up," is set to produce Universal's upcoming comedy "Business Trip." Deadline reports Apatow's wife Leslie Mann will star.

The story follows a bunch of women who go on a business trip but end up doing no business at all. Details are unknown, but my guess is they'll get into big, silly trouble while having a bunch of fun.

Stacey Harman wrote the script, and it looks like "Business Trip" will shoot early next year. No word yet on who will direct the thing. Mann, by the way, had a pretty big role in "Funny People" as well.

Apatow's 'Funny People' delivers $8M Friday

Judd Apatow's latest comedy "Funny People" topped the North American box office Friday with an estimated $8.6 million in ticket sales at 3,007 locations.

Starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann, the film follows a stand-up comedian whose near-death experience encourages him to change his life.

Last week's box office champion "G-Force" came in second Friday, generating another $5.7 million for a total domestic gross of $55.1 million after one week in release.

"Aliens in the Attic," the second wide release this weekend, only made it to No. 5 with a one-day gross of $2.8 million. The family adventure is currently playing at 3,106 locations.

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'Funny People' web reviews

"Funny People" marks Judd Apatow's third directorial effort, and it stars Seth Rogen, Adam Sandler, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann and Jason Schwartzman. Here's what some of the Web's critics have to say about the drama-comedy:

• Katey Rich @ CinemaBlend: "The best we can hope for is that Funny People is a necessary middle ground between Apatow's adolescent experiment and the more adult stories he has yet to tell."

• RopeOfSilicon's Brad Brevet: "Apatow's ability to keep me curious as to where he was going to take things next was this film's saving grace in my case."

• LatinoReview's Ron Henriques: "Though the third act is problematic, 'Funny People' works when Sandler and Rogan are either interacting humorously or discussing gag material and the nature of comedy."

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Movie Review: “Funny People”

Seen on: July 31, 2009

The players: Director: Judd Apatow, Writer: Judd Apatow, Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman

Facts of interest: Apatow also directed "Knocked Up" and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."

The plot: A stand-up comedian has a near-death experience that will prompt him to change his life and look at things from a different perspective.

Our thoughts: I wouldn’t go as far and call Judd Apatow’s “Funny People” one of the year’s best, but as a dramatic comedy carefully examining the impact a near-death experience has on a desperate stand-up comedian, the film works marvelously. “People” may not be Apatow’s most entertaining project, but it sure is as sincere as his previous efforts.

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Judd Apatow lands three-film deal at Universal

Universal Pictures and Judd Apatow are in it for the long haul after the studio and the acclaimed filmmaker sealed a three-film deal this week.

Universal and Apatow recently teamed for "Funny People," which will open in theaters tomorrow. He also worked with the studio on his two previous directorial efforts, "Knocked Up" and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the deal allows Apatow to produce projects at other studios. His most recent producing credits include "Year One," "Pineapple Express" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."

No projects have been announced yet, but Apatow will write and direct all three films. His next producing gig is "Get Him to the Greek," which Nicholas Stoller is directing.

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This week's new movie releases - July 31, 2009

This week, we're looking at three wide releases: Judd Apatow's comedy "Funny People" with Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and Eric Bana; John Schultz's "Aliens in the Attic" with Ashley Boettcher and Austin Robert Butler; and Marcus Dunstan's horror pic "The Collector":

FUNNY PEOPLE

Synopsis: In the film by Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons, a standup comedian whose life changes after he has a near-death experience.

First thoughts: So far, I've enjoyed most of Apatow's flicks, and judging by its trailers and TV spots, "Funny People" looks like a heartfelt comedy with tons of refreshing humor and solid performances. I'm glad to see Sandler back in a role that actually doesn't look retarded. This is definitely my first pick for the weekend.

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Look at Eminem in Apatow's 'Funny People'

Judd Apatow has lined up quite the cast for his upcoming comedy "Funny People," and he even recruited some stars for some brief appearances.

As you can see in the photo (posted by MTV) above, rapper Eminem is also part of the cast. It's still unknown what role he will play exactly, but this shows he will have an encounter with the film's lead character George Simmons (Adam Sandler).

Simmons is a standup comedian whose life changes after he has a near-death experience. The cast also includes Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana and Jason Schwartzman, among others.

"Funny People" looks really funny, and it will hit theaters July 31, 2009. Check out the trailer right here. Eminem's last big-screen appearance was in "8 Mile."