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Death at a Funeral (2010)

Death at a Funeral (2010)

Death at a Funeral (2010) rated 2

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Release Date: 04 June 2010
Director:Director; Neil LaBute
Starring: Chris Rock, Zoe Saldana, Martin Lawrence, James Marsden
Details: US/92mins 15A

While it's easy to understand the logic of a comedian wanting to stretch himself and do drama, having him appear in a outright comedy playing more-or-less the straight role, boggles the mind. When that comedian happens to be Chris Rock (one of the funniest men on the planet), and the more overt comic lines are given to Martin Lawrence (!), nonsensicality seems to be the dish of the day. Purposely frantic and regularly attempting the type of slapstick humour that would be more at home in a teen sex comedy, this strange remake is low on laughs, but high on effort.

Rock plays the eldest of two sons, organising his recently passed Father's funeral. His mother is struggling to cope, and his younger, more successful brother has returned home, stealing the limelight - but refusing to pay for anything. On top of that, he's got a homosexual midget trying to blackmail him, a family friend high on a hallucinogenic drug, and a wife constantly badgering him to make a baby.

I love Chris Rock. I genuinely believe he is one of the sharpest comedic minds of the last century, and I can pretty much quote every one of his shows, word-for-word. That said, he's horribly miscast and pretty mediocre here. It's wrong to expect a sardonic, foul-mouthed rant in every one of his films, and he should be given a chance to stretch himself, but playing the straight man who occasionally vents doesn't suit him in the slightest. Every sigh feels forced, and every sombre moment lacking in emotion. That said, this is still a comedy that isn't funny - which is its main downfall.

Lawrence is predictably shite, but James Marsden is amusingly game, really throwing himself into the physical comedy, in an otherwise poorly written part. Other high calibre cast members such as Tracey Morgan and Luke Wilson fail to find laughs, despite being placed in overtly comic situations. The timing isn't there and, crucially, the script isn't either. Director Labute pretty much mimics the shenanigans of the original UK version, even casting one of the same core cast members.

The purpose here appears to involve bringing a new version of a little-seen British comedy to American audiences. So, if you've seen the original, there's no point ponying up the dough again, even if you're a fan of some of the talented cast.

Review by Mike Sheridan :
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Your Reviews

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SEEN IT ALL BEFORE - chell3

I seen the first movie too this in 2007 i think?? and loved it.. they basically got known actors and did a remake!! didn't like the film at all... of course there was funny bits but wouldn't... MORE
Review Published 16 July 2010

Star Rating: chell3 has rated Death at a Funeral (2010)  rated 1

It was good - Dylo boyesh

It was a good film. It made me laugh with my mouth. Sometimes I thought I wasn't going to laugh but then I did because this is a funny good film. I think you should watch this film because it will... MORE
Review Published 06 July 2010

Star Rating: Dylo boyesh has rated Death at a Funeral (2010)  rated 5

Death at the movies... - lightyagamixxx

First off a funeral would be more exciting than this movie, particulary after when you have had a few "stiff" ones to relieve the sadness of losing a lost one. There is no sadness at this funeral... MORE
Review Published 25 June 2010

Star Rating: lightyagamixxx has rated Death at a Funeral (2010)  rated 1

Watchable - Larko

As per usual Chris Rock attempts to release a comedy to result in people across the globe to be bursting lungs laughing, but this was to no avail. The film delivers some laughs such as a stoned... MORE
Review Published 19 June 2010

Star Rating: Larko has rated Death at a Funeral (2010)  rated 2

aweful not funny at all - Jim Buckley Barrett

What can I say, I expected to bust a guy at this and I barely broke a smile. The film in short is about a father's funeral and anything and everything that could go wrong - did! You had some of the... MORE
Review Published 16 June 2010

Star Rating: Jim Buckley Barrett has rated Death at a Funeral (2010)  rated 1

ok watchable - JeaneCarey

the trailer gives away some of the funnier bits of the film not the worst thing to sit trew but not a cinema film i wouldn't waste the money i would defo wait for this to release on dvd!...
Review Published 15 June 2010

Star Rating: JeaneCarey has rated Death at a Funeral (2010)  rated 3

Enjoyable:) - Amy

Very funny movie had some hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud would highly recommend it to anyone looking to watch a very good comedy!!
Review Published 15 June 2010

Star Rating: Amy has rated Death at a Funeral (2010)  rated 3

Not Bad Funny in Parts - jennith

I seen a trailer for this film and I found the story very familiar and then I remembered I had seen the English version of this film, I was not sure what I would make of the American version. The... MORE
Review Published 03 June 2010

Star Rating: jennith has rated Death at a Funeral (2010)  rated 3

Good movie, ending was weak - Ene$$$

The movie had me laughing from beginning to somewhat of the end, the ending had no purpose to me. A good movie.
Review Published 17 April 2010

Star Rating: Ene$$$ has rated Death at a Funeral (2010)  rated 4

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