At first glance, it’s exciting to see Steve Carell and Tina Fey teaming up together, since they are both the stars of TV’s biggest comedies — The Office and 30 Rock. But upon closer inspection, I’m afraid Date Night might disappoint.
In this much anticipated comedy, Carell and Fey play a suburban married couple whose lives have become mind-numbingly routine. To add a little fire into their live – and their weekly date appointment – , they decide to take a trip to New York City for a night to have an upscale date. At an upscale New York City restaurant. Without a reservation.
Things take a turn when a case of mistaken identity turns violent, and the Fosters; night out becomes a nightmare — out. What started as a nice romantic meal in the city, turns into a life-and-death race to escape. Claire and Phil must somehow learn to trust each other in order to survive the night.
For a movie revolving around a couple whose lives have become routine, you might be able to say the same about the plot. The twists and turns come off like something written by a 12 year old who just saw The French Connection for the first time. But you don’t watch a movie like this for the plot, do you? You watch it for some great jokes courtesy of two of Americas funniest actors.
The problem is there are no great jokes. It’s really not hilarious. The key to any great comedy is its quoteability. If you look at great recent ones, such as Role Models with Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd or I Love You, Man also starring Paul Rudd , you are spewing lines back and forth with your friends,.immediately after viewing Even after recently seeing Date Night, I’m struggling to think of any lines that made me really laugh.
Without being to harsh, I will admit I didn’t dislike it. It is entertaining. When going to see a movie like Date Night, that’s all anyone’s really expecting. When Steve Carell or Tina Fey really have their hands in a films script, like 40 Year Old Virgin or Mean Girls, they’re great. But then there are the movies done for the paycheck. Dan in Real Life and Baby Mama are maybe examples of this. This falls into the latter category. Not to mention the big supporting cast, like Mark Whalberg, Kristen Wiig, and James Franco. All I can think of is, they must of all needed a new pool.
Date Night is one of those movies that will have you saying “that was enjoyable,” and then go on with your day forgetting you ever saw whatsitsface. It’s entertaining but not groundbreaking and sometimes, with two major comedic actors, that’s exactly what you want.
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