This was such a surprise to me last night. I decided to give it a go even though reviews on its release two years ago were pretty scathing, I was incredibly tired so that might have affected my judgement, but I really enjoyed this film.
It follows married couple Tina Fey and Steve Carell, masters of this comedy genre, who, after finding out their close friends are splitting up decide to give their date night some pizazz. Tina gets dressed up and Steve decides to take her into Manhattan for dinner (they live in New Jersey).
After reaching their desired restaurant later than planned Steve decides to take a table that has been reserved by a couple who have clearly not turned up. This is where their night goes horribly wrong. Cut to car chases, half naked Mark Wahlberg, completely toasted James Franco and Mila Kunis, and a hunt for an incriminating memory stick (or flash drive as our US counterparts call it).
I found it all really quite funny.
The performances are not hammy as the majority of the acting talent come from Saturday Night Live or Judd Apatow backgrounds. Steve and Tina are really well matched too as neither are the kinds of actor who seek to out-do their co-stars. I found their styles blended really well together and I was giggling a lot at their banter as they went from one insane situation to the next.
The story is, of course, completely hyperbolic and unlikely to ever happen in anyones lifetime. I don't think the film was trying to say it would. Shawn Levy who directed this is also responsible for Night at the Museum movies and Just Married, neither of which are at all likely or believable. Yet also quite enjoyable.
The movie blends slapstick with romance and fear, playing on the fears of married people whose friends are drifting apart that they are too doomed for failure.
I really enjoyed it, and i think if you are in the mood for something totally silly with some pretty great comedic talent you guys will enjoy it too.
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