Movie Review: "Date Night" (2010)

While the plot is a little thin and "sitcom-y," this movie succeeds on the strength of its two lead characters (played by Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, two of the talents propping up NBC's Thursday night sitcom block), a married suburban couple who get entangled in urban criminal intrigue after stealing another couple's dinner reservation. Fey and Carrell's performances together are outstanding - they're the most believable couple I've seen in a movie in a long time.

There are some technical aspects of the movie that show how big-screen projects differ from TV. Some of Fey's hilarious asides, which work just fine on 30 Rock, sometimes get lost in the sound mix of a film. And film doesn't allow for as many closeups of Carrell's face (like on The Office), where viewers can more easily see his fantastic comic expressions and the conflicting emotions right under the surface.

Still, if you're looking for a light, funny, fast-moving story to watch, I'd recommend putting this on your rental list. This is one of the few films to come along recently where I can say I wouldn't mind a sequel.

My Rating: 6/10 ("Liked It")