This weekends release of the Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence film, Death at at Funeral, just firmly puts the ball on the tee and gives me yet another opportunity to rant once more about American remakes of British comedies. The new film, which also stars Danny Glover and Tracy Morgan has a chance based on cast alone, but did it really need to be made so quickly? Sole reason – the original 2007 British comedy version of the same name, starring some very familiar names to fans of British television such as Matthew Macfadyen (MI5, Pride and Prejudice) and Keeley Hawes (MI5, Ashes to Ashes), is brilliant. Perfect cast, great script and directed by Frank Oz. What more could you ask for? Again, another example of the British original being just superior.

Full disclosure. Haven’t seen the Chris Rock film, so this may be unfair. But, having seen the British version, my suggestion is to put it next on your Netflix list or grab from the video store and then wait for the re-make to come out on home video and compare at your own risk. If you’ve seen the British version, would love to know what you thought. If you haven’t, here’s the trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aAaDCwdnaQ&feature=player_embedded