FUN at a funeral!

As a huge supporter of anything British, checking out the latest occurences of thus-related popular culture seems to me more or less obligatory. Therefore, I expectantly went to see "Death at a Funeral" last night, however knowing very little about the film itself - only that Kris Marshall, whom I adore, were to be in it. And no disappointments followed, instead I was extremely pleased at how utterly fabulous it turned out to be. The first sign of what a great thrill I was in for, came during the pre-credits; when I soon noticed a hunch of something really, really appealing. I realized it had to be the music, which again was quite excellent. I then became euphoric at the discovery of no other than Murray Gold!!! being listed as lead composer. It may come as little suprise that this great soundtrack was continuous. Second, there was the cast of, a.o., the previously mentioned Mr. Marshall; who was fantastic, frenetic, disoriented, irresponsible and charmingly clumsy as usual - along with Mr. Pride & Prejudice the Movie, MacFadyen himself; as the sulky, melancholy, miserable protagonist - and Alan Tyduk; as a handsome but rather upset, unpremeditatedly drugged and then happily oblivious, sort-of-neurotic, unmeritedly hated son-in-law. And when Rupert Graves joined the cast as a staggeringly handsome, although somewhat slick and cunning author-brother, the joy was simply complete! Notably, not solely my own; the rest of the audience was ecstatic as well. Throughout some of the most intense, absurd and climatic scenes, most people were on the floor gasping for air. It's one of those films where the plot never gets lame or painfully inconsistent, just ridiculous all along - in a sheer, good sense. Like having Alan Tyduk naked and running around on the roof. I was nearly dying. The whole getting rid of the blackmailer-thing was also priceless. The fake valium, the stressed priest suffering from a too tight schedule, the grumpy and overly critical, old uncle and the, eh, moving casket. Oh well. That was the only point whereat I thought this can't seriously be for real.

Highly recommended for anyone and everyone who enjoys an intelligent comedy with a twist and an unforseen event near the end. The crazy turns you never even tried to picture taking place. Or having to prevent from happening. Also suitable for those of us who can't stand funerals and, yes, frequently have tried to imagine all the improper, unforgettable, impossible, senseless things that could - and maybe ought to happen that very moment. A bit more action, of sorts. This film dares make fun of the saddest, dreariest situations; the familiar circumstances of an unpleasant family gathering, with all its disputes and unsettled disagreements - though never slipping and never taking it a step too far. You're shocked, but not appalled. You're feeling empathetic, not embarassed. And, most of all, I'm so impressed! Go British filmmaking - those guys surely know how create true success stories!