Mini-Review II: Return of the Mini - Date Night

In brief, director Shawn Levy (whose previous stabs at directing include Night at the Museum and Cheaper by the Dozen) manages to bring life to Date Night out of a stereotypical humdrum screwball comedy by leaning heavily on the skills of Tina Fey and Steve Carell.

I'll give the bad news first. On the downside, the trailers and previews killed a handful of good moments. Some of the comedy relies on surprises, one-liners, and quick turns. While exiting the theater I heard another mini-review, "It wasn't as funny as I expected it to be." If you haven't payed attention to advertising for Date Night you stand a better chance of enjoying it, as opposed to anticipating foreseen sequences and gags. Also, the film stretches itself a bit thin at times. It broadens to touch on action and romance, causing lulls in pacing.

So, the film is not particularly well written and the plot is thin. However, this film doesn't need either element to be strong because it is all about riffing between Fey and Carell. Chuckle lines rock back and forth between the two like a seesaw. Their chops carry the film throughout. I get the sense that filming Date Night was akin to watching the Bird and Diz trade fours in their prime. The cutting room floor probably laughed it's ass off on fifth and sixth takes. Another high note in the overall presentation is a solid supporting cast, with a handful of well-played extended cameos. Lastly I'll note that my celebrity crush on Tina Fey has grown again. She'd be on my celebrity dream date night list, but this film has convinced me against it.
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The skinny:
Pros: funny people being funny, great cast, light-hearted
Cons: "not as funny as expected"

Make an Assessment:
I didn't bust a gut or find myself rolling in the aisles. I am glad I saw Date Night, and thoroughly enjoyed watching it, but I wouldn't recommend paying theater prices for it. Unless you're an absolute maniac for Tina Fey or Steve Carell it is skippable. Worth watching for free? Absolutely. Worth redboxing? Yes. Worth buying 4 different dvd and Blu-ray editions for maximum worship? Not even close.

Overall Review Score:
Grade: B+
Score: 85%
If it were a movie: ★★★★
My Feelings: I find it funny that I spent a Hamilton to see a movie with a lol line from James Franco featuring an antiquated pistol and mention of Aaron Burr.