Tim (Paul Rudd) is a rising executive who “succeeds” in finding the perfect guest, IRS employee Barry ( Steve Carell), for his boss’s monthly event, a so-called “dinner for idiots,” which offers certain advantages to the exec who shows up with the biggest buffoon.
Brian
Rating: 7 out of 10
There’s a decision you can make during the first five minutes of this film. You can decide to be a cynic and tear it apart or you can put on your seat belt, strap in, and just go for the ride.
I chose the latter because “Dinner with Schmucks,” despite some of its crass humor, is a very endearing film with a likable loser played to perfection by the incredibly talented Carell. There are some slow spots for sure, but by the time you get to the dinner in the title all hell breaks loose and it contains the biggest laughs.
I also have to point out another performance by Zach Galifianakis, who is slowly becoming the next comedic genius. He plays Carell’s nemesis and every time he shows up, the film elevates. Between this and “The Hangover,” I am truly looking forward to more of his work because if these are any indication, we may have discovered someone special. Is this film great? No, but it definitely was worth the price of the movie ticket and I had a big smile when I left. I made the right decision during the first five minutes.
The Movie Brothers 
Hey, you guys finally reviewed a movie I’ve actually seen! This was a odd comedy to me — it wasn’t exactly rollicking and those mice made me sad every time they appeared. I agree the cast was great and pretty much made the movie. Zach Galifianakis is an acquired taste, though.
By the way, apropos to the swearing debate, you do know realize it’s Kevin Smith’s 40th birthday today, right?
Yes! I have to do a Kevin Smith item. Thanks for the head’s up. I left you a comment on your page.
Thanks — but I definitely want to see what you guys have to say too!
I do agree it seems in my opinion that Zach G. is a aquired taste but I did enjoy his very hilarious outing in the Hangover. I agree with Brian that we may have tapped into something here.
As for Kevin Smith, I just got a copy of Cop Out and will check it out this week. I might get kicked in nether regions for this but I have never been a huge fan of his work with the exception of his Daredevil comic book story he did a few years back.
Zach G. has a special available to watch instantly on Netflix. Check it out. Good stuff.
I put Cop out on my queue, too. I’m sorta interested.
I’ll put it on my queue. I started Cop Out tonite. So far so good.
If you aren’t familiar with Zach’s work and enjoyed his performance in this and The Hangover, check out his DVD “Zach Galifianakis – Live at the Purple Onion (2006).” It’s one-third stand-up, one-third documentary and one-third mocumentary.
Cool. Thanks. I just put it on my queue.
I got an acquired taste hanging low
I’ll check out that live DVD. I think he’s hilarious.
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