DATE NIGHT
RYAN: I have been so excited to see Steve Carell and Tina Fey together in a movie since the announcement of their new film, Date Night.
CAROLINE: Me too! But then after I saw the trailer, realized it was PG-13 and directed by the guy who made Night at the Museum and Cheaper by the Dozen, both kids’ movies, I was nervous that it was going to be lame. But I needn’t have worried for a second; it’s hilarious!
RYAN: Let’s be honest, I’ve never disliked Steve Carell or Tina Fey in any medium. This is the most genius casting I’ve seen in a long time.
CAROLINE: You mentioned in Trailer Tuesdays how well matched they seem, and it’s truly uncanny. They’re perfect together, and their chemistry is remarkable. If you told me they were a couple in real life, I would totally buy it.
RYAN: They clearly have great respect for each other as actors and comedians, and it totally translates.
CAROLINE: At the heart of the movie is a sweet romance about a couple who truly love each other but are just exhausted by their kids. It’s a very realistic portrayal of a marriage. And I think Steve Carell brought out the very best in Tina Fey; she’s never been better. Her asides are brilliant.
RYAN: Yeah, she was much more natural than she’s been in other movies.
CAROLINE: Honestly, it was a joy to watch. Their comic timing is, needless to say, brilliant. And even though it’s PG-13, there are a few raunchy jokes for the adults. You can tell it was ad libbed at times. And hello, can we talk about all the supporting roles and cameos?!
RYAN: Let’s start with Mark Wahlberg’s chest.
CAROLINE: Honey, it ain’t what it used to be.
RYAN: No, but he’s still looking good. And I loved the cameo from Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
CAROLINE: Not to mention supporting roles for Kristen Wiig, Mark Ruffalo, Taraji P. Henson, Common, Ray Liotta, James Franco and Mila Kunis. It’s not often that you see such big stars in these smaller roles.
RYAN: It’s just such a clever, funny movie. It’s truly the best uses of both Steve and Tina’s talents.
CAROLINE: I think it started with a strong story and a great script. Sure, it’s far fetched and improbable at times, but who cares? I was completely wrapped up in the story and laughing my ass off. Don’t even get me started on the scene at the strip club.
RYAN: As I was watching I was thinking that a good comedy is as difficult to make as a good horror movie. A good horror movie should actually scare you, as opposed to just gross you out. And in a comedy, the goal is to laugh out loud, which we both did here.
CAROLINE: I think I actually guffawed. It was borderline embarrassing. And I love love loved the length – 90 minutes long, which is what all comedies should be.
RYAN: It’s a combination of a romantic comedy and an action film, much like The Bounty Hunter, whose casting had potential but turned out to be a terrible movie.
CAROLINE: And as much as I love a rated R comedy, this one was fine as it is. Hopefully it’ll be appreciated by teens, ‘tweens and adults alike.
— BOTTOM LINE —
RYAN: This movie has made me an even bigger fan of these two actors and has somewhat redeemed director Shawn Levy in my eyes. It’s just a great, really funny movie.
CAROLINE: I thoroughly enjoyed watching Steve Carell and Tina Fey, as I knew I would, but the movie truly exceeded my expectations. There’s never a dull moment. I can’t recommend it enough!
— RATING —
