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Oliver Platt, Lee Evans, Richard Griffiths, Leslie Caron, Jerry Lewis ... see more see more... , Oliver Reed , Mickey Baker , Francois Domange , Ticky Holgado , William Hootkins , Jona Jones , Phil Kelly , Ruta Lee , Ian McNeice , The Nicholas Brothers , Harold Nicholas , Andy Rashleigh , Terence Rigby , Peter Martin , Gavin Millar , Rusty Goffe , Ruth Kettlewell , Peter Gunn , Peter McNamara , Mouss , George Carl , Freddie Davies , Olivier Py , Frank Cox , Sadie Corre

Tommy Fawkes (Oliver Platt) is a struggling stand-up comedian who has tried for years to get out from under the shadow of his father, George Fawkes (Jerry Lewis), himself a famous humorist. Tommy fina... read more read more...lly scores a showcase spot at a major resort in Las Vegas, but when opening night rolls around, Tommy's act is an unqualified disaster, with the failure made even more painful by his father's presence in the audience. In search of a fresh start, Tommy heads to Blackpool, England, where he was born and raised, to look for a new act. Hoping to buy material from local performers, Tommy auditions a large number of acts, most of whom are utterly hopeless, until he sees a hilarious vaudeville team, the Parker Brothers. Their act seems more than a bit familiar, however, and Tommy soon realizes that they're doing his father's old material. But they have every right to be doing George's schtick -- it seems George stole his act from the Parkers ages ago. What's more, the younger and more eccentric of the Parker Boys, Jack (Lee Evans), is actually Tommy's half brother, the product of a fling with a Blackpool showgirl years ago. Veering between comedy and drama, Funny Bones has more than its share of effective moments on either side of the fence, and features fine supporting performances from Oliver Reed, Leslie Caron and Harold Nicholas. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

71% liked it

4,253 ratings

Critics

61% liked it

18 critics

R, 2 hr. 6 min.

Directed by: Peter Chelsom

Release Date: March 31, 1995

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DVD Release Date: September 2, 2003

Stats: 164 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (164)

  • SirPant
    October 2, 2009
    SirPant
    A very funny and moving comedy with some great performances. Davies and Lewis are brilliant, Platt has never been better. It's actually Lee Evens who steals the show though with a real nail biting finale!
  • Doctor0Quinzel
    January 20, 2009
    Doctor0Quinzel
    It was interesting. I thought it was funny, but the ending was pretty weak.
  • ileo
    January 20, 2008
    ileo
    Hilarious!
  • jam233
    January 30, 2010
    jam233
    Such a quirky film, director Peter Chelsom at least takes some risks and tries something different, unfortunately, it doesn?t always work, but when it does it is fascinating. Leslie Caron is terrific in a supporting role. It is too often an uneasy mix of comedy and heavy drama an... read mored it's 2 hour and 8 minute length is excessive for a film of this nature. Excellent score, finely photographed.
  • markearly2
    July 13, 2008
    markearly2
    Awesome movie with a very unfortunate name. I don't know if the studio just didn't promote this movie, I don't remember it in theaters at all, but it's great. Jerry Lewis, Oliver Platt and Lee Evans are just perfect.
  • WickedIsabelle
    April 28, 2008
    WickedIsabelle
    Pretty pointless in my opinion, not a very good Oliver Platt movie, I prefer something like Three to Tango. :)
  • fogducker69
    January 29, 2007
    fogducker69
    very dry, very brillient..lee eveans is superb in this flick, i just wish hollywood would give him the break he truly deserves

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Critic Reviews

Steve Crum
March 2, 2008
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com

Odd drama about eccentric show biz family, featuring Jerry Lewis in rare dramatic role.

Ken Hanke
August 24, 2003
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Fascinating and quirky little movie with great bits from Oliver Reed and Leslie Caron.

Bob Bloom
August 30, 2002
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

It has its moments, but not enough of them.

Scott Weinberg
July 26, 2002
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

Lee Evans steals every scene he's in.

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

Leonard Klady
March 26, 2009
Leonard Klady, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

David Ansen
March 31, 2008
David Ansen, Newsweek

Click to read the article Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Peter Travers
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

No review available.

Kevin Thomas
February 13, 2001
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Funny Bones Trivia

  • which star has been in the following films magic roundabout the medallion the martins mouse hunt funny bones  Answer »
  • In the movie "Big Fat Liar" what is Marty Wolfs monkeys name?  Answer »
  • Jerry Lewis plays Oliver Platt's father in which film?  Answer »
  • Who plays Oliver Platt's half brother in the film Funny Bones?  Answer »
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