Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Over-the-top funeral comedy digs into sex and potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Death at a Funeral (2010)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is exceptionally funny, with many viewers praising its humor despite the strong language and adult themes, making it more suitable for mature teens and adults. Although some reviewers found the crude content excessive or the movie lame, many enjoyed its chaotic humor and solid performances from the cast, particularly highlighting the need for parental guidance regarding its explicit material.
- funny
- crude content
- mature audiences
- parental guidance
- chaotic humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
It's a difficult day for Aaron (Chris Rock), an accountant. His dad has died and it's the day of his funeral, which is taking place at their home. He's set to deliver the eulogy, disappointing fans of his famous author brother, Ryan (Martin Lawrence). And that's not all. As the day unfolds, Aaron discovers Ryan won't be able to share the funeral costs; that his wife Michelle (Regina Hall), is on the last day of her cycle and needs impregnating, quick; and that a stranger (Peter Dinklage) has a secret that could ruin the reputation of his father. His long-secret novel is no longer secret, and a guest (James Marsden) appears to be high as a kite and unable to keep it together. How will he get through it all?
Is It Any Good?
Much like the original British version, this movie is stuffed to the gills with comedic moments; some are so golden they make it worth seeing, while others should have just been thrown out. First, the upsides: The film works so hard to make you laugh, you can't resist. One after another, the jokes pile up, and even though most of them are just plain juvenile -- the scatological jokes, the loopy, drugged-out-but-hilarious mess that is James Marsden -- you can't help but laugh. (The poop jokes, which center around the talented Tracy Morgan and, surprisingly, the usually grave Danny Glover, are so Comedy 101 that, had the movie not been laced with profanity, a preschooler would've been rolling in the aisles at those scenes. Who knew director Neil LaBute, better known for dramas, was so proficient with them?)
Still, some bits are plain tired: It's nice to see Luke Wilson onscreen, but his character really doesn't bring much to the table. An ancillary storyline about mother-daughter tensions contributes so little to the film's comedic impact -- besides, it's cliched -- as to be superfluous. And though Marsden milks every moment of its comedic value, some of his scenes could've fallen to the editing floor, too; there just are too many. Pared down, Death at a Funeral could've been a perfectly distilled batch of pure comedy. Will it elevate the genre? Hardly. But funny? That it is.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why gatherings such as funerals, births, and holidays bring out the best and worst in families. What is it about these moments that drive people to unbox old grudges and reveal secrets?
What was so funny about the drug use in the movie? Was it realistically portrayed? What are real consequences of taking drugs like they do in the movie?
The movie's a farce, clearly, and yet it has some universal truths about families in it. What do you think they are?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 16, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : August 9, 2010
- Cast : Chris Rock , James Marsden , Keith David , Zoe Saldana
- Director : Neil LaBute
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Screen Gems
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, drug content, and some sexual humor
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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