Death at a Funeral (2010)

director: Neil LaBute

writers: Dean Craig

starring: Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence. Zoe Saldana, Luke Wilson, James Marsden, Peter Dinklage, Danny Glover, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart

genre: Comedy, Remake

Funerals are not suppose to be funny but sometimes they happen to be. In 2007 "Death at a Funeral" was made in England and came out to cinemas with minimal success. An American remake was called in to be made and once again came out to minimal success and critical appraisal. My question is why? Death at a Funeral is a very old fashioned comedy with lots of big name actors coming together and rolling with the punches. What could be wrong with that?

The story revolves around the funeral service of Aaron (Chris Rock) and Ryan's (Martin Lawrence) father. The service is taking place in their family home and everybody in the family is invited. The funeral doesn't go as planned as everybody is bringing their emotional baggage with them. But the funeral doesn't end to be a just a simple brotherly confrontation or a boyfriend, girlfriend dispute. Fatherly secrets, family crazies and much more come to be in a funeral that wont end that easily.

Ive never seen the original 2007 film so I cant really compare the films sadly. Without comparing and focusing only on the 2010 film I can proudly say that the 2010 film is a laugh fest. With big names attached, some from dramatic backgrounds others from comedic they all do a marvelous job. Marsden is a knockout as the drugged out boyfriend, Danny Glover is hilarious as the crazy old geezer and what can not be said about Tracy Morgan.

There is not much more to say about the film. It dosen't break the sound barrier for its funniest moments, it doesn't have the most intelligent jokes, but it doesn't need to anyway. It's got the right pace for a comedy at a funeral which you will constantly anticipating the next mad thing to happen and go along with it. Comedy is tricky and many people take it in the wrong way sometimes. So if you don't have a problem with dead people humor, drug jokes and the occasional toilet mayhem then Death at the Funeral is the perfect match for you. Check the trailer out as well and I believe you will be sold.

Personal Rating:

Review by Paul