There's a lot to be said for good casting. In many instances you just simply cannot imagine another actor inhabiting a certain part. Sometimes the mere presence of a certain actor is enough to make a film for a particular fan, even if said actor doesn't do very much. And many other times, a good casting decison, can lift a bad film, up to a rather likeable one. Which is what we have here in 'Date Night'. Not to say it is a bad movie, but in the hands of others, we would not nearly be prepared, or as enthusiastic to go where this film takes us. And this is all down to Steve Carell and Tine Fey. It comes as no surprise for anyone who has seen 'The Office' or '30 Rock' that both Carell and Fey are actually funny. As very talented comedic actors, they give the film a sense of charm and warmth, that would severely cripple the film were it missing. Though they are surrounded by some nice cameos here and there (those few surprises shall not be spoiled), which bump up the watchability factor, it's the game leads that inject all the fun into proceedings.
The film centers on Carell and Fey as married couple, The Fosters. They have two loving children and a beautiful house, but it seems the stress and exhaustion of work mixed with raising children has taken the spice out of their relationship. Things have become stale. So the two head into the city one night to perhaps reignite some of that flame. A very exclusive and booked up restaurant leads the two to harmlessly (so they think) adopt the identity of two no-shows to get a table. Unfortunately those two no-shows turn out to be up to no good criminals. What follows is a case of mistaken identity as everything spirals more and more hilariously out of control and the Fosters are left with both the police and the mob hot on their heels. The early scenes are crucial to this films success. You like both Phil and Claire almost instantly. They are very relatable and they show a sense of natural chemistry together. It is because of this that as the film becomes more and more farcical in nature, you stick with it. While there are no big belly laughs from it, it carries more than enough chuckles to keep you engaged. While lines might not as clever or as witty as you might expect, a lot of them would simply have fallen flat without the expert and precision timing of both leads. Yes, they have both been better and funnier elsewhere before, but there is a simple delight in watching two performers, so at ease with one another, effortlessly gleaming comedy from each others performance. Both take and give generously to their partner when they have to, and as a result, both are given plenty of seperate moments to shine.
However, all this can't make it classic comedy. There is simply not enough big laughs along the way. The two bad guys (Common and Jimmi Simspon) seem confused and don't seem to mesh as well with the light hearted tone of the film. Some of the set pieces are fun (the double-car chase) but at the end of the day, can you really buy a surburban couple in their 40's doing all that the Fosters do here? The film is always enjoyable, but unfortunately never rises above that. The two are supported well by Mark Wahlberg as a 'security expert' who just refuses to put a shirt on, and the great William Fichtner (one of those actors that elevates something, by their mere presence as talked about earlier) as a very sleazy D.A. And then there are the cameos....
Director Shawn Levy has worked with some of the best names in comedy from many generations, just due to his work on the two 'Night at the Museum' films. It is a simple and effective tool; by using some big names in some otherwise non existent roles, he can beef up watchability factor for the overall product. However, for someone who has worked with as many as he, while knowing the right comedic actors to use, he can't quite simply grasp how to let them off the hook and do their thing. Maybe this is because his films usually have significant budgets behind them, but it seems that in most of his films, the edge of spontaneity is missing and in a film that by its plot should rely on it, it is noticeable by its absence.
That is all nit picking. You can get a very pleasant evenings entertainment and should not read too deep into the films flaws. It is a feel good 'movie' after all, one that only wants you to escape with it for a few hours and on that, it largely succeeds. Bolstered by its very talented lead performers and you have a sure sign for comedy, but perhaps next time, they should be let off the leesh to reach their full potential.
Verdict: 63%
Carell and Fey both excel as ever, but are held back by a very broad script and somewhat clunky direction. However, a fun and entertaining ride is to be had by those who put flaws aside, and go along with its charm of which it has plenty of in abundance.
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