Dinner for Schmucks does exactly what it's supposed to do and we get exactly what we should expect from it. It is an enjoyable Carell/Rudd vehicle that relies on the performance and likeability of its two leads to to get its laughs.Tim (Paul Rudd) is an aspiring executive at a financial firm who, after initially being resistant to the higher-ups invitation for their "Dinner for Winners", finds the perfect candidate in Barry (Steve Carell). Hijinks ensue.
The film boasts a pretty strong cast. Jemaine Clement of Flight of the Conchords fame steals scenes as the bizarre yet hilarious artist Kieran. Zach Galifianakis plays Barry's idiotic, asshole boss Therman. While Therman is essentially an even more ignorant version of Alan, Galifianakis still gives an entertaining performance. The rest of the cast is fleshed out with a couple Daily Show alums, Ron Livingston, and the always good Bruce Greenwood.
The film is most definitely not without weaknesses though. Like many comedies today (especially in the despicable Grown Ups), many emotional moments in the film are cancelled out by cheap one-liners. The whole bit at the actual dinner about "finding the clitoris" goes a couple jokes too long, and Rudd's stalker goes from funny to overly creepy very quick.
In the end, the real strength of the film is in Carell's performance and his chemistry with Rudd. Carell's turn as the loyal, loveable idiot Barry is truly hilarious. These two are now officially (if they already weren't) the kings of cringe comedy. Putting these two together as a comedic duo is always guaranteed to get not just laughs, but people shielding their eyes and ears because some scenes are just too painful to watch.
If you go to Dinner for Schmucks, expect an enjoyable Paul Rudd and Steve Carell comedy. Expecting anything more will have you leaving the theater disappointed.
6.5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment