When it comes to making enjoyably forgettable comedies, it's tough to beat Frank “Voice of Yoda” Oz. Here the Jedi Master goes all British on us, depicting hijinks and shenanigans occurring at a place where the stiff upper lip gets all the more rigid: a funeral. As the comedy of manners unfolds we get the standard issue set-up and follow-through, where almost every step of the way is telegraphed far ahead of time. It's a testament to Oz's skill that the payoffs, punchlines, and misconceptions—despite their predictability—range from witty and clever to downright hysterical. All is aided by a very solid, if vague, cast led by a guy from Trainspotting, a person who was killed in Grindhouse, a side character from V For Vendetta, a midget, and Alan Tudyk. Yoda's latest is certainly not the most original comedy to come along lately, or even the best, but it's surprising how much mileage you can get out of the old tried-and-true when you put it in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing. Good to see Alan Tudyk has been staying in shape.
8 out of 10.
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