Susan Granger’s review of “Dinner for Schmucks” (Paramount Pictures)
Derived from Yiddish and passionately promulgated by Mel Brooks, a “schmuck” is defined as a clumsy or stupid person, an oaf. And that perfectly describes hapless, buck-toothed Barry Speck (Steve Carell), who latches onto ambitious Fender financial executive Tim Conrad (Paul Rudd) and becomes his guest at a disastrously humiliating dinner for dummies, hosted by his snobbish, wealthy boss (Bruce Greenwood). The premise of this dubious gathering of “extraordinary people” is to find the biggest buffoon. And idiotic Speck fills the bill, foiling everyone’s plans and causing general chaos.
A clueless IRS-drone, Speck is a consummate loser who’s described as smelling like a mix of aftershave and formaldehyde and spends his leisure time designing detailed dioramas – inspired “mousterpieces” – consisting of tiny, stuffed, costumed dead mice. Inadvertently, Speck facilitates stalking by Tim’s psychotic ex-girlfriend, Darla (Lucy Punch), which tangles his tenuous bond with Julie (Stephanie Szostack), the art curator he’d like to marry. But that doesn’t much matter because this featherweight comedy focuses primarily on the bizarre relationship between the two men.
Written with a definitive “Odd Couple” emphasis by David Guion and Michael Handelman (“The Ex”), it’s adapted from Francis Weber’s far-nastier French farce, “Le Diner des Cons” (1998) and directed by Jay Roach (“Meet the Parents,” “Meet the Fockers” and the “Austin Powers” movies). Goofy Steve Carrell’s (“The Office”) outrageous, wide-eyed appeal is undeniable, and Paul Rudd (“I Love You, Man”) is a deftly understated straight-man. After “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” and “Anchorman,” this is the third time Carrell and Rudd have cavorted together.
The weird ensemble is augmented by cameos from Zach Galifiankis, as Barry’s creepy mind-control IRS boss; “Little Britain’s” David Walliams, as an eccentric Swiss millionaire whose account could save Tim’s job; Kristen Schaal, as Tim’s secretary; and Jemaine Clement, as an outlandish artist with whom Julie works.
Taking into consideration its somewhat leisurely pace, on the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Dinner for Schmucks” is a silly, screwball 6 – and be sure to watch for the postscript updates as the final credits roll.
