Review of Dinner for Schmucks (2010) by Steve L — 26 Nov 2011

I have to admit, going in to this movie, I wasn't expect much. Lately, I haven't really been a fan of Steve Carell. I wasn't really a fan of the American series of The Office with Steve Carell. Nor, did I really like any other film Steve has been involved with since 40 Year Old Virgin and Anchorman. Which funny enough, both co-stared Paul Rudd also.

I am much more of a Paul Rudd fan than Steve, that's for sure. But, nonetheless, I watched this movie, and, well, I have to admit; it wasn't that bad at all. Sure, it's just one of those generic slapstick-screwball-buddy comedies. But it was actually watchable, and had a lot of laughable moments. Despite the fact there really wasn't any memorable lines.

But the story was actually well done enough to actually care about the characters. One of the most important things I learnt while being at film school was the fact you always have to make your characters go through a living hell, which is actually what happened to Paul Rudd's character. However, I did cringe at a lot of things, like some of those "not-normal" people, those characters weren't the brightest. But I guess that's exactly how they were meant to be.

Another thing that really surprised me was Stephanie Szostak. This was the first time I have ever seen her act, she was really good! Maybe it was just how her character was written, but, she was a great character and a believable girlfriend to Paul Rudd. One other thing with the characters, the character of Kieran Vollard, played by Jermaine Clement from Flight of the Conchords fame.

Another thing that was great, was a cameo by Zach Galifianakis as Therman Murch; an IRS co-worker of Steve Carell's character, and finally Ron Livingston (Office Space) as Caldwell. All of these guys did an awesome job. However, one of thing, the character that Jermaine Clement was playing would have been way more suitable for Russell Brand.

The story of the film is about a bunch of corporate bosses who have an annual dinner, but the one catch is: each of them much bring a "special +1″, being a "retarted/special person". As you can expect, comedy happens and, well, lots of other not-so important things happen, sadly.

Overall, it's an alright movie to fill the time, if you have nothing better to do, than just waste time, or happen to come across it on the Television, which is somewhat - what happened to me. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all. Because - I didn't mind it at all. I'm a huge fan of Paul Rudd, and he didn't disappoint - at all. Which is a great thing.