21 Laps Entertainment, Media Magik Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

Written By: Josh Klausner.

Two of television’s most consistently funny and memorable actors of the last several years, Steve Carell and Tina Fey take the leap together to the big screen with “Date Night”, a romantic comedy/adventure film that is surprisingly better than you may think.

Carell and Fey play the married Phil and Claire Foster, a tax consultant and real estate agent, respectively, who have fallen into the routine most, if not all, parents fall into. Up early with the kids, off to work, kids picked up and taken to activities, home for dinner, baths, and bed. Then next morning, or really every morning, repeat. Rocked by the revelation that their friends are divorcing, Phil and Claire decide to leave their comforts of Jersey and go to Manhattan for a long overdue date night in the city.

Babysitter in place, they set off to the exclusive new seafood restaurant, Claw. Unable to get in, they steal the reservation of the Tripplehorns, who failed to show up. Dinner is going along great until two intimidating thugs arrive at their table unannounced and demand that the Tripplehorns leave. Thinking they are being removed for stealing a reservation, Phil and Claire laugh and joke uncomfortably with the thugs out into the alley until guns are pointed in their face and talk turns to missing flash drives, mistaken identities and Phil and Claire’s lives suddenly are in immediate danger. A wild adventure ensues with Phil and Claire getting caught up in criminal mayhem they never anticipated and their simple date night in the city becomes increasingly crazed from one moment to the next.

From all accounts, “Date Night”‘s premise might seem rather singular and perhaps even flimsy. However, Tina Fey and Steve Carell take the material and run to the hills with it and instantly, the ludicrous elements of the story and plot become instantly likable. Watching “Date Night”, it becomes rather remarkable to remember that other than encountering one another on Saturday Night Live when Fey was the head writer and a cast member in 2005, the two have never worked together. They have instant and engaging chemistry and are fantastic and believable in their roles.

That Fey and Carell are so great here allows you to go on that increasingly silly and somewhat implausible storyline which take the Fosters from that alley behind the seafood restaurant to a night that includes Central Park, breaking into a real estate office, avoiding rogue cops, stealing a sports car, finding the actual Tripplehorns who are not at all as they appear to be (James Franco and Mila Kunis in a tremendous cameo), and a hilarious car crash sequence with an unfortunate cab driver.

Every moment is appealing in its own inimitable way and there is a message of love and not taking your spouse for granted which works to large degree. Director Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum films, Cheaper By The Dozen, Pink Panther) appears to have taken a step back and allowed Fey and Carell to guide the way and the rewards are rich and plentiful.

The one black eye on the proceeding comes near the end of the film when the Fosters cross paths with a public official who frequents strip clubs and they are forced to put on a show for him. As awkward and unnecessary as that sequence turns out to be, much like Phil and Claire Foster, very nice people who have the best of intentions, “Date Night” only desires to make you smile, laugh, and think of those closest to you with the best of intentions.

Far from a disappointment and just short of something truly fantastic, “Date Night” jumps on the backs of its two able lead actors and delivers a rather harmless, frequently hilarious and entertaining date night in the city for you and yours.

Should I See It?

For nothing more than an enjoyable and entertaining movie. A mix of humor, action, and a little romance provides a wide range of appeal for most movie watchers.

Tina Fey and Steve Carell are two of the most gifted and talented comedic actors working today. Throw in some great cameos from Mark Wahlberg, James Franco and Mila Kunis and you will genuinely find yourself laughing a lot.

For me and perhaps you, the most consistently entertaining film to hit the multiplex in weeks by far.

The film does push its PG-13 rating to the limit at times, especially in the aforementioned strip club scene and with a handful of jokes and one-liners. If you are sensitive to this regarding your teenagers, be aware.

Some simply do not enjoy Tina Fey and Steve Carell’s work. If that is you, this film will do nothing to change your mind.

To certain viewers, I could see “Date Night” coming off as trite, formulaic, and too implausible, especially those not into slapstick humor.