Review: Date Night

Plot: Phil and Claire Foster (Steve Carell and Tina Fey) are a couple living quietly in a suburban New Jersey town with two kids. When the break-up of one of their married couples causes them to examine their own stagnant and routine marriage, Phil decides impulsively to take his wife to a trendy New York City restaurant and high jacks another couple's reservation. But when a case of mistaken identity turns dangerous, the couple will have to rely on their wits and their relationship to get them through the night alive.

Review: Date Night is another mildly entertaining, boring, predictable comedy from 20th century Fox that relies heavily on a formulaic and often used story and screwball antics. There is nothing original or interesting about Date Night and consequently there are few laughs either.

Director Shawn Levy once again brings his considerable tepid and lackluster directing skills to the big screen. Date Night shows no marked improvement from previous duds such as Cheaper by the Dozen and Night at the Museum. His inability to inspire acting that pushes Carell and Fey beyond their The Office and 30 Rock personas respectively, further demonstrates why he is the king of stock and uninspired Hollywood comedies. Fey and Carell's chemistry as the Fosters is average at best. After such annoying scenes as the the couple's encounter with ladies man Holbrooke Grant (Mark Whalberg) and a ridiculous pole dancing scene at a strip club, I wondered if it might not be better for all parties involved if the bad guys just caught up to the Fosters. I will admit that Fey and Carell's car chase with actor J.B. Smoove was pretty funny. Also James Franco and Milla Kunis' roles as husband and wife "Taste" and "Whippit" was somewhat amusing. In point of fact they probably had more chemistry going for them than Fey and Carell; and Franco and Kunis were only in the movie for about five minutes.

Carell, Fey, Kunis, Franco, Wahlberg, and five other writers can also take the "credit" for Date Night's script. I've never understood the concept of a group written script. As the old adage goes, "too many cooks spoil the pot." While I wouldn't say Date Night's script was spoiled it was certainly undercooked. Unrealistic coincidences and a very forced and convenient climax make Date Night's script one step about a high school Senior's extra credit assignment. Then again this movie did rake in a $150 million plus, so there is no accounting for taste.

If you're looking for another run of the mill, formulaic comedy, Date Night will certainly satisfy. Personally I'd think you'd be better off ordering a pizza and watching Sportscenter on your next date night.

My rating: 4/10