We mentioned Tina Fey’s comedy “Date Night,” in only the slightest of passing because 1) it sounded generic, 2) we were lazy, 3) we don’t want to feel obligated to post about every single project the trades spit out and the blogs regurg. That said, time to upchuck, and mostly because the film actually has become slightly more interesting while maintaining its generic-ness.
It still does have boring, middle of the road comedy written all over it. To wit: it’s directed by Shawn Levy, the milquetoast behind “Night At The Museum,” and Steve Carrell, though we love him, can be dangerously boring when thrown into a dangerously boring mainstream comedy (this one’s being produced by 20th Century Fox, when was the last time they put out a good comedy?) But the project does also star the always lovable Tina Fey and now, the just announced additions of James Franco and Mark Wahlberg. The rest of the cast is rounded out by Leighton Meester, Common, Taraji Henson and Kristen Wiig.
What’s it about? Cue Variety. It sounds like a broad comedy, about a “married couple who find themselves in harm’s way after their routine date night that goes horribly awry.” Hilarity ensues! Buyer beware!
Wahlberg plays a successful and crazily buff securities expert who flirts with Fey’s character. Franco portrays a not-too-bright con man and petty criminal. Meester is onboard as the couple’s babysitter. Henson plays the one good cop who believes the couple is in danger, and Common portrays a villain. Wiig, who worked with Fey on ‘SNL’ rounds out the cast as the actress’ best friend.
Levy says he wanted a big ensemble, aimed high and, “People just kept saying yes. I think people just really wanted to work with Tina and Steve.” Well, they sure didn’t sign up because of you, pal. PS, we only wrote this because it took about five minutes and that’s a wrap.
