BY MIKEY MIGO
I watched the 2007 British version of this movie at least two years ago. I know it was a new release and I do remember that I enjoyed it. Sadly, I forgot most of the plot outside of a few of the bigger details. I remember the movie being enjoyable, funny, and well done but the dryness of the Brit humor and tone made it go in one ear and out the other. I think the studios expected this and instead of pushing the movie in the states, they redid it and “Americanized” it. The font, music, and promotional trailers used for the movie made it kind of seem like some sort of Tyler Perry type of movie. That can be taken in a wrong way because we do have to acknowledge that the cast is made up mainly of African American actors and actresses. Sadly, it feels like the only mainstream people putting out African American dominated casts in movies is Tyler Perry and Ice Cube. Both have their merits, but neither really gives a fair and realistic depiction of the entire race. Sadly, this is what registers in people’s mind now. Long gone are the days of Spike Lee and John Singleton putting out their masterpieces. Now we get Madea, who I liked better when she was called “Ms. Doubtfire”, and Ice Cube’s blandness. THANKFULLY, Death at a Funeral proves some variety is still out there. Race… hell, not even the height of a little person… is rarely brought up here. This is just a family dealing with a funeral. We have Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan, Luke Wilson, Danny Glover, James Marsden, Zoe Saldana, Regina Hall, and the awesome Peter Dinklage rounding out a fantastic cast. Everyone has their back story, strong personalities, and tons of jokes. I’m fairly certain that 90% of the people that appeared on the screen during this movie got AT LEAST one legitimate “laugh out loud”, some way more than one. If you’ve seen the original 2007 version, then you know the plot twists and a lot of the jokes. Still, I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone. This movie was just a great surprise and a great time. Easily, one the best comedies I’ve seen in a good while. Everyone just rocks in the movie and does their part in making it all come together. I do have to give credit to one person individually though. James Marsden’s drugged out performance is one of the best comedic drugged out performances I’ve seen in recent memory. I had to fight back tears from laughing. Did NOT expect that. My suggestion to anyone who enjoys laughing is to watch this movie. Seriously, forget everything I’ve just said except for the fact that it’s worth watching… and go watch it! Watch it now!
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