Funny Bones (1995)

61% of critics liked it
(18 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(4,254 ratings)

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 finally scores a showcase spot at a major resort in Las Vegas, but when opening night rolls around,… More 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 finally 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

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 6 min.
Directed By: Peter Chelsom
Written By: Peter Chelsom, Peter Flannery
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 31, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Sep 2, 2003

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Odd drama about eccentric show biz family, featuring Jerry Lewis in rare dramatic role.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Fascinating and quirky little movie with great bits from Oliver Reed and Leslie Caron.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
It has its moments, but not enough of them.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Lee Evans steals every scene he's in.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

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!
Marion R

It was interesting. I thought it was funny, but the ending was pretty weak.
Leo L

Hilarious!

Cast

            Oliver Platt as Tommy Fawkes

            Lee Evans as Jack Parker

            Richard Griffiths as Jim Minty

            Leslie Caron as Katie Parker

            Jerry Lewis as George Fawkes

            Oliver Reed as Dolly Hopkins

            Mickey Baker as Mayor

            Francois Domange as Pirard

            Ticky Holgado as Battiston

            William Hootkins as Al

            Jona Jones as Security Guard

            Phil Kelly as Himself

            Ruta Lee as Laura Fawkes

            Ian McNeice as Stanley Sharkey

            The Nicholas Brothers as Harold as Himself

            Harold Nicholas as Himself

            Andy Rashleigh as Reporter

            Terence Rigby as Billy Man

            Peter Martin as Skipper

            Gavin Millar as Steve Campbell

            Rusty Goffe as Bagpipe Playing Dwarf

            Ruth Kettlewell as Camilla Powell

            Peter Gunn as Nicky

            Peter McNamara as Canavan

            Mouss as Poquelin

            George Carl as Thomas Parker

            Freddie Davies as Bruno Parker

            Olivier Py as Barre

            Frank Cox as Cox Twin

            Sadie Corre as Poodle Lady
See full cast