Names in comedy don’t get much bigger than Tina Fey and Steve Carell, so a feature film starring the pair is bound to get noticed. Thankfully, the marketing campaign is light on the “greatest comedy duo in years” routine, allowing audiences to appreciate this film for what it is rather than be disappointed.

“Date Night” is from director Shawn Levy, whose other films include both “Night at the Museum” and “Cheaper by the Dozen.” It was, sadly, not written by Fey, but rather Josh Klausner, of the third and soon-to-be fourth “Shrek” films.

The two leads are kept busy by their kids until their friends’ (the glorious Kristen Wiig and enjoyable Mark Ruffalo) announcement of a separation sends shock waves through their marriage of complacency. Now the two must rekindle their love through the ritual of the date night and all manners of hijinks ensue both action-oriented and comedic.

The plot is formulaic but it’s nowhere near as trite as the far-too-simplistic understanding the couple reaches to solve their problems. While this point is hammered home, what’s left unsaid rings most true. These are at their core very likable characters brought to life by Carell and Fey—so much so that it’s hard to buy into the conflict. The two must love each other, if for no other reason than they are both so lovable.

Most of the great jokes are spoiled in the trailer, and a surprising amount of screen time is dedicated to clownish ‘80s buddy cop-style car chases. The action and comedy are both passable but uninspired. The strength of this film is in its heart. The cast is made up of not method actors, but actors largely playing themselves.

Fey continues the self-parody she perfected on “30 Rock” while Carell plays a good-natured man with a sense of humor. Mark Wahlberg is a militant teddy bear, comforting and threatening, while Ray Liotta plays himself.

James Franco and Mila Kunis get the most latitude as the petty criminals Mr. and Mrs. Tripplehorn. After winning much acclaim and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of James Dean, Franco seems to most enjoy using all his talent to play deadbeats. In some odd way, sexual promiscuity and huffing nitrous oxide are becoming of Kunis, who proves she has a sense of humor and isn’t afraid of tarnishing her reputation.

If they are the frosting on the cake then veteran actor William Fichtner is the cherry on top. He plays the sleaze ball corrupt district attorney with entertaining and endearing sexual fetishes like the “sex robot,” the rigid mechanical dance with a naughty twist.

The credits have the proof that this film is nothing more or less than some good actors and good people getting together to have fun with each other. Outtakes are given the same tone as the film proper, and actors are less falling in and out of character than simply laughing too hard to continue.

“Date Night” is a cute, lighthearted film; a light romp. I wrote less about it in my note pad than any other film this year. Objectively, its merits are relatively few, but in the context of a cinema where people go to be entertained, the film becomes like a live concert.

It presents the standard of goodwill and then feeds on the energy of the audience to continue no matter how silly things get. And pardon me for saying so, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring a date to go see it.