My latest MSN DVD column is up, exploring the missed opportunities both major and minor in two of this spring’s shouldn’t-have-missed comedies, “Date Night” and “Death at a Funeral”.
Yes, we know, people like disposable comedies. But when you’re dealing with talent as indispensible as Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan and, yes, Peter Dinklage, shouldn’t people demand something a little more … well, better?
It is my belief that they should. Heed my warning.
I have to disagree with you on the British “Death at a Funeral.” Love it! And so has anyone I’ve shown it to. It may not be brilliant, but I found it solidly funny. I cringed when I heard it was being Americanized. I’m also extremely apprehensive of the upcoming American remake of “Let the Right One In.” Subtitles and British accents shouldn’t limit box office, although I know they do.
The UK version really didn’t do anything for me, with the exception of Alan Tudyk’s amazing line readings. (“Was there a dog in here just now?”) I just had the sense that all the yelling and running around was designed to distract me from the fact the script didn’t have much in the way of depth …
I think I liked “Date Night” better when it was called “After Hours”.