Movie Review – Date Night

Date Night (2010) Rated PG-13
Starring Steve Carell and Tina Fey
Runtime – 88 minutes

Even if a movie does what it intends to do, certain genres can only be so good. Date Night definitely meets the romantic comedy expectations (though it’s no When Harry Met Sally) and the addition of the action-movie twist makes it a bit better than run of the mill.

The basic premise is that the two main characters are in a rut in their married life and try to do something fun one night. They end up being mistaken for a couple being chased by the mob and the movie gets going.

Fey and Carell are top notch at comedy (see Mean Girls and The Office) but their characters here don’t quite capture their typical humor. They do have good chemistry as a couple, and without the film would fall flat. Not to say there aren’t some funny moments (the car/taxicab crash and chase and the pole dancing scene come to mind) but it isn’t a laugh riot.

Instead, the movie explores the problem of relationships that get stale and what to do about it. Fortunately Carell and Fey are not played like stereotypes, but their lives are pretty real. They actually seem to have a good relationship, so outside of the insane mob/copy scenes, the movie plays pretty down to earth. The film also maintains a very positive outlook on relationships as opposed to more indie fare (or movies like I Love You Man or Forgetting Sarah Marshall).

Another thing the movie has going for it are some good cameos by actors such as James Franco and Mark Wahlberg. They add some nice changes of pace and subplots to the film.

All in all it is as advertised – a good date movie. Briskly paced and a short running time of under an hour and a half, it’s not the greatest movie you’ll see this year, but you won’t have wasted your time if you catch it in the theater. Some language but overall avoids the potty humor and content that sometimes sneaks up on people taking a date to a movie, making for an awkward walk back to the car. Check it out in the theater, or grab it as a new release and relax on the couch. But then again that’d be what you always do for date night.

2.7 out of 4 Stars (new rating system)

Movie Trailer