“Date Movie”: A Comedy Lost in Translation?
The American comedy “Date Movie,” which has grossed over forty million in its home country, is unlikely to achieve the same success in other markets. The film’s humor relies heavily on gross-out gags, and its constant stream of movie references may not resonate with international audiences.
Parody or Potty Humor?
The film’s creators, Aaron Seltzer and Jason Friedberg (the writers behind “Scary Movie”), claim to be parodying films like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” “The Wedding Planner,” and “Meet the Parents.” However, IMDb lists over forty films as sources of inspiration. While American audiences might catch more of these references, international viewers may find themselves lost in the sea of citations.
For those familiar with the referenced films, “Date Movie” offers fleeting moments of recognition. The “ugly duckling” transformation echoes Gwyneth Paltrow in “Shallow Hal,” the heroine’s little black dress recalls Reese Witherspoon in “Sweet Home Alabama,” and the hero’s shorts and tank top mirror Julia Roberts’ iconic look in “Pretty Woman.” A therapy session mimics the opening of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” while a diminutive character evokes both Hitch and Yoda, and a sword fight in a yellow jumpsuit pays homage to Uma Thurman. However, these visual gags are often too obvious, and the endless references to the Empire State Building (a nod to films like “An Affair to Remember,” “Love Affair,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “Au plus pres du paradis”) feel tired and uninspired.
When Parody Falls Flat
The problem with “Date Movie” is that it’s simply not funny. While “Meet the Fockers” successfully satirized family dynamics, “Date Movie’s” attempts at parody fall flat. The jokes feel forced, the writing lacks wit, and the humor often descends into the realm of the disgusting. A chunk of black hair emerges from an old man’s mouth, revealed to be chest hair from another old man he was licking during a game. The heroine regurgitates a chewed chicken wing, which is then examined in detail. Her yellow, fungal toenails are also given close scrutiny. And when fat is liposuctioned from her body, it’s poured into a jar labeled “Mayonnaise,” ready for sale. The film’s obsession with bodily functions is frankly nauseating.
Seltzer and Friedberg believe they’ve created a groundbreaking parody of romantic comedies, but their film feels more like a desperate attempt to shock and disgust. While “Meet the Fockers” offered clever and sophisticated satire, “Date Movie” relies on cheap and offensive gags. The filmmakers seem to think that anything that isn’t related to bodily waste is fair game for parody, which explains the film’s wide range of references.
While some viewers may enjoy the occasional gross-out comedy, “Date Movie” requires a complete lack of discernment or a peculiar fascination with bodily functions. It’s as if the filmmakers believe that chronic constipation or diarrhea are inherently funny, and that sharing the sights, sounds, and smells of these conditions is comedic gold.
A Cast Lost in the Mire
Adam Campbell, who plays the lead role, is a newcomer to the screen and may be forgiven for not recognizing the difference between parody and poor taste. However, the film also features seasoned actors like Jennifer Coolidge, Fred Willard, and Alyson Hannigan, all of whom have experience with the “American Pie” franchise. It’s surprising to see them reduced to such lowbrow humor. In the “American Pie” films, the actors had storylines to develop and characters to portray. In “Date Movie,” they simply become props, showcasing the excretory systems of their heavily made-up bodies. One wonders if they were misled about the film’s true nature.
Ultimately, “Date Movie” serves as a reminder that truly terrible films can come from anywhere, not just domestically.