Death at a Funeral
Starring: Matthew MacFayden, Keeley Hawes, Andy Nyman, Daisy Donovan
Director: Frank Oz
The film: The first warning sign comes with the director. Although he's British-born, Frank 'Fozzie Bear' Oz has plied his trade in the US since his college days and the feel of this production is that of an outsider looking in on the eccentricities of the English. It's almost like he's trying to return to the sort of farce on which Ealing Studios was built - only he's forgotten to be funny.
A troop of thespians - led by the versatile Matthew MacFayden (below) - ham it up and act all nutty. There are moments when you'll laugh, but more moments when you won't. The plot centres on an English family brought back together to mark the passing of their patriarch. And everything that can possibly go wrong, does.
The sombre straight guy unintentionally drops some drugs and goes wild. Old family scores are settled, and everyone drinks a lot and talks endlessly about sex. And the slacker son surprises everyone by finding his maturity and taking control. Oh, and there's a midget. Brought in to reveal the dead guy's secrets, he ends up wrestling two family members while the rest squirm uncomfortably in their seats.
