Here is one more somewhat-unknown film I wish got more notice, although I'm not sure how many would like it because it's so different. It's a bizarre combination of humor and tragedy, of supernatural and straight drama. It's just an odd mix, but I find it very, very interesting and I've seen it three times, equally fascinated each time.

The movie goes back and forth between drama and comedy which makes unsettling for some viewers, but not me. It kept me on my toes, so to speak, even with those multiple viewings. Also in here is another example of how good comedians can be in dramatic roles, in this case, veteran comic Jerry Lewis. Oliver Platt plays his son, and does an outstanding job as the main figure in this film. The comedy is really provided by others, most notably the most tragic figure in the film: "Jack Parker," effectively played by Lee Evans.

There is really is no way to adequately explain this strange film in a few paragraphs. I would just say if you are looking for something different, give this a try. And stay with it, even if the first half hour is not to your liking. You will be rewarded.

Despite the film being titled "Funny Bones" and having Jerry Lewis in the cast, this really isn't a comedy. Yes, I noticed that the picture currently shown for this film on IMDb says "A zany look at two comedians who will do anything for a laugh"--but this really is a lot of hyperbole. This isn't a knock against the film--just a knock at how it was marketed. I think you should be prepared for the type of film you are about to see.

"Funny Bones" begins with some sort of deal going bad on the water off of Blackpool, England. One man is chopped up by the blades of a boat and another is forced to jump into the water to save himself. What exactly happened and why is a complete mystery and bits and pieces of this are interspersed throughout the film.

The film then very abruptly changes to Las Vegas. A terribly unfunny man, Tommy Fawkes (Oliver Platt),is about to make his big debut at one of the big clubs. Not surprisingly, he bombs--and folks start walking out during his act. Now this happens from time to time...but what makes it different is that the guy is the son of a legendary comedian, George Fawkes (Jerry Lewis). It's obviously difficult living in your father's shadow--especially when you aren't talented. Soon Tommy disappears--and ends up in Blackpool to see if he can buy an act for himself. Now he knows he is terrible at telling jokes--so he wants to see if he can learn physical comedy. During this process, he accidentally bumps into some folks who have a dark connection to his dad--and learns several terrible secrets about his old man. I could say a lot more, but it would spoil the film.

In addition to the main plot discussed above, the plot begun at the start of the film seemed a bit dark, confusing and unnecessary--and not especially well integrated into the rest of the movie. It seemed to have VERY little to do with the Fawkes story and was choppy and seemed to get in the way of the main story--which was very compelling as I found myself wanting to see more interaction between Platt and Lewis. I also enjoyed was seeing some of the strange burlesque-style acts. Some were very funny and some were just cool. This was a nice little homage to the English acts which used to be big in Blackpool. But, the dark and violent elements of the story just seemed to get in the way and muddle the picture. Good but it could have been a lot better.

I wouldn't call Peter Chelsom's "Funny Bones" a comedy as much as a look at how we interpret comedy. Oliver Platt plays the son of a famous comedian (Jerry Lewis). When his comedy act bombs, he sneaks off to Blackpool, England, to hook up with some old acquaintances and possibly assemble a better act.

Despite the presence of Jerry Lewis*, this isn't any kind of silly movie at all. It has a very serious side. A major focus is how the father expects the son to follow in his path, despite the son's having a different set of talents. But all in all, what results is a very fine piece of work, definitely one that you should see. It's too bad that Peter Chelsom went on to direct "Town & Country" and "Hannah Montana: The Movie".

Also starring Lee Evans (Tucker in "There's Something About Mary"),Leslie Caron, Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter movies),Oliver Reed and Ian McNeice.

*Other serious movies in which Jerry Lewis starred are "The King of Comedy" by Martin Scorsese and "Arizona Dream" by Emir Kusturica.