Some movies remind me of those long gone days of perusing indie video stores. Where you wandered down aisles and contemplated something outside your comfort zone. Sometimes you might have been hoping to bump into a handsome stranger, but that never ever happens in real life. Right?
I might have heard Death at a Funeral was a hilarious film, but it’s just as likely that I randomly discovered it. And I’m glad because it’s utterly absurd and makes me laugh so hard I cry.
The Americans remade the film (2010) with their own heavy-weight cast like Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, and Martin Lawrence, but kept Peter Dinklage, as he plays the same role in both films. But honestly, I’ve never seen it.
As much as I like those American actors in the remake, I don’t know when, if ever, I’ll be ready to watch it. I fell in love with the British cast and there’s something about the ridiculousness of the story that juxtaposes nicely with proper English culture and this upper crust family.
Death at a Funeral also reminds me that often my favorite movies are the ones with damn good writing and performances. In other words, could this be done on a theatre stage? I noticed this affinity after the 100th time I watched The Breakfast Club, and when I stopped Juno about 5 minutes in to rewind to find out who wrote such brilliant dialogue.
If you like dark comedy and need a laugh, Death at a Funeral is to die for. (sorrynotsorry)
Film Fridays are hosted by the lovely Sarah and Darren. Just hashtag that post to be part of this highly exclusive club! 😛
Have you seen Death at a Funeral?
Life, the Universe, and Lani 
Totale need a laugh! And thanks for the memory of perusing video stores. 🙂
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I hear ya, girl. This one’s super funny. Hope you like it. Take care, xo
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You too, Lani. 🙂
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I loved this movie! I saw if first on a plane and, despite the fact that’s usually enough to put me off a film forever, I couldn’t wait to see it again on a bigger screen. I’ve tried to watch the American version, but found it (as I find so many American remakes of British media) pretty awful.
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Oh good. You confirmed what I feared. Yeah, once I started to think about it, and you’d think these Hollywood execs would do the same, it’s the contrast between British culture and the ridiculousness of the situation that helps make it work. Black culture by contrast lends itself well to outrageous and crazy fun behavior so it doesn’t work as well.
And yes, I hate when they try to bring British TV shows to the US (except The Office), like the IT Crowd or Taskmaster… again, those execs need to do their homework 😛
Glad you liked it too! So funny.
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I watched the American version recently but haven’t seen the British one. Will have to compare!
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Yes, but I have to admit, I’m partial to British comedy.
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That sounds exactly what I need at the moment, Lani. I’ll see if I can track it down.
PS. I did love the indie/foreign movie section of the video store.
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I hope you find it! 😀
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I must watch this. Can’t believe I have not seen it or heard of it! What a great cast and so nice to see Peter Vaughan who I remember so well from his 70s roles in ‘Porridge’ and ‘Citizen Smith’.
With regards US remakes – yuck! Our Brit humour never translates. I recall an American companion being brought into Dr Who in the 80s because they wanted to sell the show in the US and the producer at the time being quite blunt that ‘Americans generally won’t watch anything that doesn’t have Americans in it’.
Thank you Lani – can’t wait to see this film,
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Awesome. You’re in for a treat. Truly, I was crying 😀
Yeah, Dr. Who – can’t imagine that working over here, but these days, esp with the success of Downton Abbey, and more British actors being well-known, I think there’s more of change. But that’s a recent thing, and Americans who like British stuff is more of a subculture…
Hope you like the movie!
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I watched this when I was younger – and I watched the American version. I’ll have to watch the English version now! 😃
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The British version is so funny, but of course, as I say, I never watched the American one. 😛
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Oh, I love this one sooo much! It’s perfectly hilarious and I remember crying with laughter as well! 😂 British humour is my favourite, and I didn’t even know the Americans adapted this movie – how awful! Even though I like the actors from the American cast I don’t think I’m up to watching it, the original is just too good!
Also love The Breakfast Club – one of the best 80s movies ever!! 😀💕
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Yes, I agree. I don’t think I’ll bother with the American version. And I think I nailed it with the contrast between the humor and the situation. I was thinking Asian Americans w/ this story line could work too. Latino, maybe, it depended if they played up the Christian aspect, then it would be funny as well.
The BREAKFAST club !!!
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I think you’re right that thd Latino version could work with this! 😀 Okay, let’s do this movie! Who gets the actors and the budget? 😂
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Oh, and if you like dark humour you’re going to love ‘Dead in a week Or Your Money Back’ with Tom Wilkinson- absolutely f*** brilliant! 😁
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Alright, alright. Will check it out! Thanks. xo
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xoxo
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It is definitely one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. I can remember how I laughed until I cried. So good to be reminded of that. I didn’t know there was a remake, but in general I prefer British movies to American ones. Especially comedy.
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We were talking about different kinds of comedy at work the other day. I’m really a fan of most as I love a good laugh. But British humor feels special… love it. xo
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Watched it and loved it! Thanks so much for the recommendation-now I need to look through the rest of your Film Friday posts. 🙂
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Awww. Tee hee! So glad you liked it 🙂 The pressure’s on! 😛
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This looks perfect for me–can’t believe I never saw it. I’m a BBC junkie–for some reason English humor really does it for me. Maybe you hit it on the head: the juxtaposition of English reservedness/class with silliness. As for out of my comfort zone, I watch my first scary movie in a long time–28 Days Later–recently. It’s a British apocalypse / zombie type. Totally not me, but I did enjoy it. (Maybe I already mentioned that one to you. I watch so few films. Oh, well recently Bad News Bears with my baseball-liking husband, which was actually pretty cute.)
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I remember Bad News Bears. Ha! That’s from childhood. Yeah, I don’t watch many films but I got inspired after my friends started film fridays, and it’s been nice. It is easier than recommending books because I don’t read as fast as some. Yes to British humor!
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I know what you mean about not reading as fast as some. Pro book reviewers are amazing. I am a real amateur–and it takes me forever.
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I’m partial to British comedy too. I generally don’t watch remakes, not because I’m a film snob lol, but because I have a history of not liking them.
I haven’t seen this one in a while; thanks for the reminder of a good one to put on when I need a laugh!
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It came up when I was looking for something else – thanks, algorithms! 😛
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I loved the film as well. Recently watched the American version. It was funny, but not nearly as good as the British version.
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Ahhh, well, then, good to know! You’re reconfirming what others have said. I’m gonna steer clear. Thanks for stopping by 😀
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