Well, if you’re not a fan of the Carell camp humor- including Paul Rudd and the add-on Zach Galifianakis- then this movie is absolutely not for you. On the other hand, if you found Steve Carell’s scene stealing performance as Brick Tamland funny back in the day, then you’ll love this pseudo homage to that character.
Tim (Paul Rudd) is a suit-wearing analyst trying to get the bigger office and impress his boss. When he finally gets the chance- in the form of an invite to the dinner that the executives look forward to- all he needs to bring is an idiot for the entertainment. Barry (Steve Carell) is that idiot. A taxidermist with an affinity for mouse exhibition, Barry finds the friend he needs in Tim, while making his life ten times more complicated.
Jay Roach (Austin Powers franchise, Meet The Parents/Fockers) gets it right when it comes to directing and producing funny men. With a plethora of schmucks to his name, including Austin Powers, Bruno, Gaylord Focker and others, it was only a matter of time before Steve Carell found his way into the mix. Notice, though, there’s a compromise on story when the funny becomes the main focus.
Lots of laughs, lots of love, lots of mice… Dinner for Schmucks makes audiences feel like we’re the ones hosting a party for idiots, and this movie delivers on the entertainment.
Rating: 3.7/5
