BOTTOM LINE: Sometimes amusing, but not all that special, “Date Night” is a very average film that looks better than what it is thanks to its strong cast and the chemistry between Carell and Fey.

THE GOOD: The conceit for this comedy is that a boring married couple, Phil (Carell) and Claire (Fey) Foster, suddenly have their lives turned upside down when a moment of impulse gets them embroiled in a dangerous situation involving gangsters and corrupt policemen. It starts when Phil takes someone else’s reservation at an exclusive restaurant in Manhattan. The couple are mistaken for a wanted couple by the mob, and then the fun begins. What makes this film watchable is the chemistry between Steve Carell and Tina Fey; aside from believing them as a married couple, their comic sensibilities resonate quite well off each other, especially as they jump from one tough spot to another. The script also gives them just enough material to make the issue of boredom in marriage a relatable one. The film does venture in to the screwball comedy genre, with one scene in particular involving a car chase proving to be quite funny. “Date Night” is probably worth watching at least once, because its stars make it worth the ride.

THE BAD: Carell and Fey really earned their pay cheque on this film because they are the only reason to watch what goes on here. Without their involvement, and obviously funny improvisations in certain scenes, the film would have been bland and average, offering nothing special in terms of comedy or plot, which is a shame considering the idea upon which it is based is quite a good one. Mark Wahlberg is good in his few scenes, but also completely pointless; the manner in which he is connected to the Fosters, and his ultimate motivation for helping them is simply not believable; anyone else would have told them to take a hike. There are many stupid moments in the film that do not help matters. “Date Night” is a one-view wonder, and it is only worth viewing once because Carell and Fey make it so.