“IDIOTS DELIGHT”
Starring: Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Stephanie Szostak, Bruce Greenwood, Jemaine Clement, Lucy Punch and Zac Galifianakis
Directed by: Jay Roach
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for sequences of crude and sexual content, some partial nudity and language.
Genre: Comedy
Running time: 1hr 54min
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Release date: July 30, 2010
By John Delia
Silly, silly and more silliness, but that is what make Dinner for Schmucks fun to watch. The film does start out very slow, but it gains momentum leading to a hysterical ending. You’ll have to like the acting of Paul Rudd and Steve Carell to really get the ultimate comedic benefit from the film.
The film centers on Tim (Paul Rudd) who is seeking to get ahead in a huge company. His career is at a standstill and in order to obtain his goal he needs to get the attention of the president of the company, Lance Fender (Bruce Greenwood). When he makes a proposal at a meeting, Lance is impressed and invites Tim to a special dinner at his house. There is one problem; he must bring a guest that is classified as an idiot. When he finds a prime candidate in Barry (Steve Carell) all of his plans fall into place, except for the unexpected.
The film moves along slowly developing it’s characters and introducing a few side plots such as Tim’s love relationship with Julie (Stephanie Szostak), an unexpected appearance by Darla (Lucy Punch) an old girl friend and some dealings with the IRS. But interactions between Barry and Tim are the real meat of the story and as you get to know the two, the fun begins.
Carell is in his element here providing that lamebrain comedy that works for him. Rudd always makes a great straight man and his reactions to Barry are priceless at times. As the situations build up, the two show their amazing talent.
At first the direction by Jay Roach (Meet the Fockers) seems a little staid and non-aggressive, but as the film progresses all the elements come together for some great comedy. I ended up liking Roach’s tact and his amazing dinner guests, but more so his ability to control Carell’s dimwitted comedy.
In support, the hilarious character provided by Lucy Punch (Hot Fuzz, Ella Enchanted) makes the film work. Her sex starved mindless Darla was so funny I nearly fell off my seat laughing. The woman has a natural ability for comedy much like Carell.
The film is rated PG-13 for sequences of crude and sexual content, some partial nudity and language.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Stick with it and you’ll reap the rewards at the end. (3.5 of 5)