Aaron Barnes (Rock) just wants the day to end. It is the day of his father's funeral... which will take place in their home. But nothing goes as planned... the funeral home brings the wrong casket and his family is out of control. His famous brother Ryan (Lawrence) is living the life he wants... and would rather spend the funeral oogling their barely-legal neighbor. His mother Cynthia (Devine) and wife (Hall) are baby crazy. And then his cousin Elaine's (Saldana) boyfriend Oscar (Marsden) starts acting weird.
And family isn't the only problem. Aaron's hypochondriac friend Norman (Morgan) is freaking out, and Derek (Wilson) is only at the funeral to win back Elaine. And then there is Frank (Dinklage) who no one seems to know, but who desperately wants to talk to Aaron.
What were they thinking? Seriously, why remake an English film within a few years of the original? To an extent I can understand remaking a foreign language film within a years, since most people do not enjoy reading subtitles. However, when the original film is made in England in English, why remake it within 3 years?
The trailers looked dumb and I wasn't expecting much, especially since I loved the original (I own it!). The cast didn't look too promising, but I was willing to put aside my preconceived notions to watch this film. But my first impression was right. This film was crap.
It is essentially the exact same film as the 2007 version... same storyline and character arches. They changed all the names and the humor slightly. A brand new cast, with the exception of Peter Dinklage (as the same character). Overall the changes don't work. One change that does work is the expanded role of Derek. He actually gets to do something and gets a few laughs. James Marsden steals the show as the stoned boyfriend. He is over the top, but makes it work. Tracy Morgan is also over the top, but he is more hit-or-miss. I like Morgan, especially in 30 Rock, but he doesn't seem to do well in films. I like the other cast members, but they don't all have good track records with decent movies... I seriously question your taste levels people. Don't waste your time on this film. Watch the 2007 version, directed by Frank Oz.
Death at a Funeral (2010) 92 minutes
Rating: R for language, drug content and some sexual humor.
Director: Neil LaBute
Starring: Chris Rock as Aaron Barnes
Martin Lawrence as Ryan Barnes
Regina Hall as Michelle Barnes
Tracy Morgan as Norman
Zoe Saldana as Elaine Barnes
James Marsden as Oscar
Columbus Short as Jeff Barnes
Loretta Devine as Cynthia Barnes
Ron Glass as Duncan Barnes
Keith David as Reverend Davis
Danny Glover as Uncle Russell
Peter Dinklage as Frank
Luke Wilson Derek
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