Date Night – Movie Review
Date Night – Movie Review
By: Stacey Tuttle
Personally, I find it so disappointing to go to a movie that has so much potential and find it largely wasted. Our general purpose in these movie reviews isn’t really to give a commentary on our opinions positive or negative so much as to point to ways to use movies to delve into deeper spiritual matters. But, this time I have a hard time refraining from voicing some disappointment.
Date Night had a lot of potential to be hilarious and memorable and even make some valuable points about marriage. And there were a few good things in it, but it was largely unnecessarily crass, ultimately not all that funny and for me it was pretty much forgettable.
That being said, because it was number one at the box office and therefore wildly popular and being viewed by the masses, I will take a moment to point out a few of the opportunities the film provides.
Phil and Claire Foster both care deeply about the sanctity marriage. They are grieved when their friends confess that they are separating. Not only are they concerned for their friends, but they are conscientious enough to take a closer look at their own marriage and see if there are any warning signs that they are heading down the same path as their friends. This is a hugely positive aspect of the movie – the Foster’s deep and humble commitment to marriage.
In light of their friends’ failing marriage, both Phil and Claire determine to make some changes, starting with their approach to their date nights. They have gotten into a rut. They go to the same restaurant, have the same conversation, etc. Claire decides to dress up and make an extra effort to surprise her husband. Phil decides to treat his wife to a fancy restaurant, something out of the ordinary, something exciting and new. Both had to go to some extra effort or expense, but the little efforts spurred excitement and additional efforts…they spawned romance instead of routine.
Getting out of their routine and trying something new helped the Foster’s each see each other in a new light. Granted, they got more than they bargained for when they tried the new restaurant. Fighting for their lives definitely helped them see things in each other they had never seen before. But, the point is made that breaking routine and taking on new adventures helps not only restore a sense of excitement and romance, but it also helps you see each other (or other people) in a new, fresh light.
Questions for Discussion:
- How sacred is marriage to you? Your own marriage, your friends’ marriages, even strangers’ marriages?
- When you hear of struggles others are going through, do you stop and take a minute to look at your own life and relationships to be sure you aren’t headed for the same pitfalls? It takes some humility – but prevention is far easier than restoration.
- Do you make the effort to make things special and out of the ordinary and routine in your relationships?
- Do you have relationships which could benefit from a new perspective?