Review of 'Death at a Funeral'

death_at_a_funeral.jpg Aaron's (Chris Rock) father has just passed away and things are not going according to plan for the funeral to be held in his home. To begin with, the body is lost, then, of course, there is overdose of narcotics that one of the guests has taken causing no end of havoc. There is also the man who claims to be his father's lover (which is news to everyone) and wants payment to keep quiet.

At times this movie falls into extreme farce. Over the top completely. It is at this point it is the least likeable (there is one scene that particularly caused everyone in the audience discomfort – you will know it when you see it). The predictable comedy of the rest of the movie is comfortable and enjoyable. There are points at which we laughed out loud but it was certainly not rolling around on the pavement. Rock here plays a very straight roll and seems a bit out of place.

Of course, as to the subject, well, that is a bit more of a touchy issue. There are a few scenes with the body that left some of the audience a bit uncomfortable (including ourselves) but for the most part it is respectful to the death (complete with the obligatory serious speech).

Enjoyable if not fantastic.

Rating: “Not great, but not the worse”

Review Date: 2010-06-04


Directed by: Neil LaBute

Studio: Parabolic Pictures Inc.

Year: 2010

Length: 92 minutes

Genre: Comedy

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1321509/