Death at a Funeral

Not quite as charming as "Four Weddings and a Funeral", but perhaps as funny.

Director Frank Oz (Little Shop of Horrors, What About Bob, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) has done with this cast pretty mush what he would have done with his friends the Muppets. The result as very funny and just a little bit over the top. But I must say, I really liked this movie.

If you are a bit squeamish about funeral-themed movies, you may want to think again. Almost all the taboos are tread upon heavily. And, if you don't like potty humor, you may want to close your eyes and hears from time to time. Having said all that however, this is a very typical Brit humor dark comedy with some very respectable performances from actors you may recognize.

Most recognizable to Yank audiences would most likely be Alan Tudyk (3:10 to Yuma, Knocked Up, and the CSI TV series - but he will always be fondly remember in my house for his role in A Knight's Tale ala "Tandy Cakes?"). He is not one of the major characters here, but is outstanding as the funniest funeral attendee. As the fiance of the niece of the deceased (yes I included this line so I could make that rhyme) he gets accidently stoned and steals the show. Brilliant.

Lady Jane Asher should be a familiar face and voice to anyone who regularly watches BBC. I first fell in love with her in Disney's "Prince and the Pauper" back in 1962. It is her character's husband who has passed in this story, and has the most to learn.

Matthew Macfadyen (Pride & Prejudice's Mr. Darcy) is one of the son's and the dead man, and a quintessential straight-man. His character's brother is played by Kris Marshall (The Four Feathers, Love Actually, and 2004's The Merchant of Venice). These two gentlemen work together so well, you'd think they really were brothers squabbling at their father's funeral.

I could mention more, but there really are too many. Everyone is funny. Everyone is perfect.

Watch this movie with your strongest constitution and a healthy sense of humor.