Carell and Fey shine in 'Date Night'
Ten years ago, Steve Carell and Tina Fey weren’t exactly household names. Both were contributors on comedy shows – “The Daily Show” and “Saturday Night Live,” respectively – that had yet to establish themselves as stars.
What a difference a decade makes. Both now anchor Thursday night sitcoms on NBC – with Carell taking the lead on “The Office” and Fey having created and staring in “30 Rock” – and both have hit it big on the big screen.
The new comedy “Date Night” features a dynamic pairing of the two. The hype heading into the film loomed large but, in this instance, the film actually delivers.
“Date Night” centers on a couple, the Fosters, living in the suburbs in New Jersey. Phil (Carell) is a tax accountant and his wife Claire (Fey) is a realtor. The pair has two kids and lives a fairly routine life. On a typical date night, they set up at their favorite restaurant, order a familiar meal and make a game of mocking couples at nearby tables. They have a comfortable routine.
But soon, both Phil and Claire worry they don’t have enough spark to make it. At a book club meeting, Phil and Claire learn their friends – Brad (Mark Ruffalo) and Haley (Kristen Wiig) – are headed for a divorce. They describe themselves as excellent roommates, causing Phil and Claire to worry they’re headed down the same road.
In an effort to shake up the routine, Phil decides to take Claire to a hot new restaurant in New York City for date night. The problem is the place is booked. But when another couple fails to arrive for their reservations, Phil decides to take advantage and slip into their place.
Unfortunately, the decision to take someone else’s reservation backfires and turns into a case of mistaken identity that puts Phil and Claire in hot water with some unsavory characters (Common and Jimmi Simpson). In an effort to clear their name, Phil and Claire decide to find the missing couple (James Franco and Mila Kunis) to find out what they know.
Along the way, Claire turns to a former client who’s in the private security industry, Holbrooke (Mark Wahlberg), for help. Following hot on their trail, too, is detective Arroyo (Taraji P. Henson), who believes the Fosters can help uncover a bigger conspiracy involving a local mobster (Ray Liotta).
Director Shawn Levy has a feel for these types of family comedies, having directed “Cheaper By the Dozen,” “The Pink Panther,” and “Night at the Museum.” Here, he mixes the right blend of star power, slapstick, and situational humor to come up with a solid, entertaining film.
For the complete article see the 04-16-2010 issue.