Date Night

In my review of She’s Out of My League, I stated my philosophy that humor is intensely personal. The joke and who tells it are co-equal branches of comedy’s government – it’s a delicate balance. I like to think I am pretty open to a wide variety of comedic styles, and am genuinely appreciative of those who put in the work to bring a smile to my face. I have recently debated two dear friends on their appraisal of Steve Carell. One said they found him low brow and the other said he was hit or miss. Both of them are completely wrong but I continue to love them anyway.

Date Night stars Steve Carell and Tina Fey as Phil and Claire Foster, a mundane suburban New Jersey couple in dire need of a shake-up in their routine. At a book club meeting they learn a couple in their circle who’d always appeared happy was headed for divorce, and they see parallels in their own relationship. So on their scheduled date night, they improvise a trip to Manhatten to dine at a swanky upscale restaurant and live life on a slightly more wild side. Wackiness and shenanigans ensue when they get caught up in a case of mistaken identity, police corruption, bribery and political intrigue.

To be perfectly honest, I thought this was one of the funniest movies I have seen in years. The chemistry between Carell and Fey is phenomenal – they work together brilliantly and I find their styles to be perfectly complimentary. They are believable as a couple, they have impeccable line delivery and flawless timing. There is a sight gag involving a taxi and an Audi R8 that is flat out epic. Hilarious cameos from James Franco and Mila Kunis, and Mark Wahlberg as a shirtless sight gag of his own, Carell in a track suit and Fey in a 1800’s western saloon girl outfit pole dancing – this is the romantic comedy the Bounty Hunter only wished it could’ve been.

The only nits I had to pick were with William Fichtner as the corrupt DA and Ray Liotta as the gangster Miletto. Regarding Liotta, I’m sorry, but it’s hard to look intimidating and badass when you’ve got thick black eye liner and a puffy pasty face that looks like the dimpled ass of an obese dwarf. Fichtner doesn’t do weird sexual deviant that well. I’m sure he’ll be relieved to know that. I’m thinking maybe Paul Giamatti or even Thomas Haden Church could’ve pulled it off a bit better.

This is a wonderful date flick. For those who can appreciate Carell’s talents that is. Silly people.

I rate Date Night 9 out of 10