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Created Aug 07, 2010 04:49PM PST • Edited Aug 07, 2010 04:50PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Perfect 5.0

   Dinner for Schmucks is, first and foremost, dumb humor. I get that out of the way quickly so that those who do not appreciate that humor can just skip this review entirely and not have to worry about the movie. That being said, the movie was freakin HILARIOUS! On more than one occasion, I was doubled over, laughing so hard I could barely breath – its that kind of funny.

   The story is nothing too great and the trailer gives you everything you need to know. Tim (Paul Rudd) wants a promotion and to prove himself as one of the guys, he must attend a dinner and bring an idiot for everyone to make fun of. That idiot who falls into his lap is Barry (Steve Carrell). There is some heartfelt moments and some serious character stuff, but all that is just run of the mill. Nothing extraordinary. All the story does is establish that we like both Tim and Barry, despite their flaws. What really drives this movie is Steve Carrell. Without him, this movie does not work. Throw in great support from Zach Galifianakis and Jemaine Clement along with an all-star cast of D-Listers (lots of whom you recognize, but couldn’t name) and its a freakin comedy masterpiece. When the funny gets going, you get pummeled into the ground for a bit, then let up to catch your breath, waiting for the next assault to come through.

   Don’t go to this movie expecting any oscar-worthy moments. Go to this movie to relax, have fun and, yes, even laugh at an idiot or two.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   Steve Carrell owns this movie. Nobody could deliver these lines or drive this character to be someone you like to watch. As you know from the Office, Carrell does endearing, clueless idiot like no ones business. I’m not saying the character of Tim is just Michael Scott in a different setting – that is not the case at all. But both are idiots who mean well but just don’t know any better. Try to find any other actor to deliver the line, “And the brain controls the mind.” and have it work. Won’t happen.

   Paul Rudd is a great straight man to Carrell’s idiot. Rudd is a good balance and always comes across genuine and relateable. Rudd finishes out this “Odd Couple” pairing and provides great balance to Carrell.

   Galifianakis is hilarious as always. He plays this arrogant, self-important bastard who is Barry’s boss and is also banging Barry’s ex-wife. He is a nemesis of idiotic proportions and only someone as skilled at idiot as Galifianakis would be able to hold his own against Carrell.

   I got half way through the movie before I recognized Jemaine Clement. He is NOTHING like you see him in Flight of the Conchords.

   Stephanie Szostak is gorgeous as Rudd’s fiance Julie and comes across, like Rudd, very genuine. It doesn’t take much for you to like her and for you to understand why she is so important to Tim.

5. Male Stars Perfect 5.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Perfect 5.0

10. Film

    Great 4.0

    The design of the characters in this movie is priceless. The way they look is just enough to be weird and idiotic, but not so much that it is over the top. Even Galifianakis in his cape somehow fits and doesn’t feel out of place.

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.7

    Its a bit salty, but nothing too bad. Language comes and goes, but again its not too severe. There’s really only one thing that sticks out and that is the obligatory one f-bomb that each PG-13 movie can have in it.

17. Sex Innocent 1.5

18. Violence Gentle 1.0

19. Rudeness Salty 2.5

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

    Sure, it could happen. Its all very coincidental, but nothing in the movie makes you stop and say “No freakin way.”

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0