Review of Dinner for Schmucks (2010) by Smelly W — 13 Nov 2011

I was surprised with this one. The trailers made it out to look like it could be very funny, yet very stupid... which more or less, is exactly what this is. I skipped the theaters for this one because I didn't wanna risk the $11 (I know, I'm so cheap, right?) but it was a good thing I did because though it was enjoyable, I don't think full price would have given me fulfillment.

Long story short, this one's directed by Jay Roach who directed both the Austin Powers trilogy and the Meet the Parents/Fockers series, so knowing that going in gave me hope because both franchises are hilarious.

I can boldly say this might be the dumbest movie this guy's done, next to Austin Powers, but the fresh jokes are there and most of them are funny, especially for Steve Carell who has proven to me over the years he's not THAT funny.

So for me to laugh at Steve Carell gives the movie points. Paul Rudd and Carell surprisingly have very good chemistry (better than he had with Sean William Scott in Role Models) and both serve funny roles.

The cameo appearances from Zach Galifianakis and Jemaine Clement don't hurt the comedy factor either. In fact, I wish both of them were used a little more. Overall, with the PG-13 rating, the movie dodges the crude humor and language you're used to hearing from Judd Appatow produced flicks (2 on this list) which keeps it family-friendly not necessarily appealing to most young adults who find the crude stuff more their shtoyle.

But is this funny for those audiences as well? sure. If you're over the age of 18 and can still laugh at PG-13 humor, then go for it. I wouldn't necessarily suggest it need to be seen in theaters but it's worth a watch.