Review: ‘Death at a Funeral’ on DVD

Shanna:

Death at a Funeral is one of my all time favorite comedies. I was laughing so hard it made me cry. This dark adult comedy should be on everyone’s must rent list.

Directed by Frank Oz, Death at a Funeral tells the story of a dysfunctional family gathering to mourn the death of one of their own. There are too many interwoven sub storylines to justly depict, but here is a summary: Daniel (Matthew McFadyen) is arranging the funeral proceedings for his father while at the same time trying to write the eulogy. Daniel’s wife Jane (Keeley Hawes) is constantly on Daniel’s case about starting a life of their own outside of his parent’s home. Daniel’s missing in action older brother Robert (Rupert Graves) shows up from America as a successful Novelist. Daniel is therefore plagued by everyone throughout the movie bluntly asking why his more eloquent brother Robert had not prepared the eulogy, adding to Daniel’s snowballing stress. Then there is Daniel’s cousin Martha (Daisy Donovan), who is secretly engaged to Simon (Alan Tudyk). Martha chooses this inappropriate gathering to announce her engagement before her disapproving father. Poor Simon, nervous about meeting his future father-n-law, takes what he thinks is anti-anxiety medication, but is actually an ecstasy like designer hallucinogenic. Simon winds up exposing himself in outrageous, unbearable, yet entertaining behavior, culminating with a nude suicide attempt off the roof. Meanwhile, a mysterious dwarf, Peter (Peter Dinklage), appears at the funeral. Peter tries to blackmail Daniel and Robert into giving him a large amount of money or he will make several embarrassing photos of their father public.

The acting in this film is ideal. Alan Tudyk stands out as the drugged up Simon. He had me rolling on the floor with laughter. I have no idea how these actors kept a straight face. This film can be compared to Four Weddings and a Funeral, but with much more wit and laugh out loud fun so if you need a good chuckle please check out this brilliant dramedy.

Special DVD features include a gag reel during the credits and commentaries from Frank Oz, Dean Craig (Writer), Alan Tudyk, and Andy Nyman (Actor).

Rated R for nudity, drug references, and language.

(4.5 out of 5)

Zac:

Frank Oz’s newest film is a British ensemble that is full of laughs and was one of the funniest films of 2007.
The films entire run time takes place over the course of one funeral for the father of a pair of brothers, Daniel and Robert, when a collision of drugs, hidden agenda, and infidelity all culminate on the absolute wrong day to do so. The cast is huge and filled with a wide array of personalities and problems among the family and friends that are attending.
The issues that pop up at this funeral are many here is a small sampling, scandalous love affair, hallucinogenic drugs, nudity, geriatric bathroom issues, kidnapping, black mail, and this list could go on. I hate to spoil any more as the outrageousness and surprise of it all is half of the fun, so I will have to be brief on the plot.
The cast is enormous with a few familiar faces but the stand outs are brilliant among a great cast. First mention should be to Peter Vaughan as Uncle Alfie who is just great as the crotchety wheel chair bound old man. He is hilarious and sells the role perfectly. Peter Dinklage also deserves props for his excellent role as the mysterious attendee of the funeral that raises a lot of questions for everyone involved. Andy Nyman is also excellent as Howard a cousin of the family who has to deal with Alfie and a few of the other “messes” that come along.
The cake most really go to Alan Tudyk though, who plays the accidentally drugged fiancà © of a cousin to the deceased that is trying to win over his future father in law. He is just absolutely amazing and must be seen to believe, and I will not dare to spoil anything he does.
Oz’s pacing and direction is wonderful, capturing the insanity of the day in a way that it feels like it isn’t such a farce even though it is incredibly ridiculous. And Dean Craig’s script is smart, unpredictable, and full of wit. The film is a perfect of example of how you should make a comedy, quick pace, variety of laughs, and doesn’t over stay its welcome.
My review is brief, but that is only because I wish not to spoil. I can not recommend this enough, even if you’re turn a nose to British humor. Rush out to rent this wonderful film that should have been on my best of 07 list and may have even cracked the top 10 had I seen in time.

(4.5 out of 5)

[rating:4.5/5]