Steve Carell deepens his comic repertoire in an enjoyable remake...

A reworking of Francis Veber's original French tale Le Diner de Cons, Dinner for Schmucks follows Tim Conrad (Paul Rudd), an ambitious analyst at a private equity firm, as he closes in on the opportunity to move up the corporate ranks. However, before he is given the promotion he so desperately wants, he must participate in a monthly dinner that is run by his boss, Lance Fender (Bruce Greenwood). Fender explains to Tim that he must accompany a guest to the dinner, one of an extraordinary nature whose talents are somewhat quirky and peculiar. In other words, Tim must bring a guest whose charming traits and uncharacteristic personality make them an “idiot”; moreover, someone whose simple nature makes them unaware of the barrage of contemptuous laughter aimed at them. At the same time, Tim remains equally persistent in getting his long-term girlfriend Julie (Stephanie Szostak) to marry him, despite her previous rejections.

Although Tim initially turns down the invite, the perfect opportunity literally runs into him in the shape of Barry Speck (Steve Carell). A divorced IRS employee and amateur taxidermist, Barry’s hobby is turning dead mice he finds into various masterpieces or recreations of historical events- “mouseterpieces” as he calls them. When Barry offers Tim money after being run over by him, Tim has a sudden change of heart and knows that this is just the sort of ‘exceptional individual’ that will seal his promotion and invites Barry along to the dinner. Sweet-natured and simple, Barry is unaware of Tim’s true intentions to ridicule him, instead believing that they have become best friends because, as Tim says on their first meeting, ‘everything happens for a reason’. It is this sweet natured attitude that draws you into this film, offering the viewer much more than the usual slap-stick comedy that we are often forced to endure.

Now here I feel it is time to make a confession; I do not think I have it in me to say a bad word against Steve Carell. An immensely talented comic, everything from his voice to his reactions have made him one of my favourites. Thankfully, despite a slow start initially and a bit of uncertainty, Carell really makes the role of Barry his own.

Barry offers Carell the opportunity to distance himself from his roles in Anchorman and The 40 Year Old Virgin, while keeping the elements of such roles that helped make him a household name. While there is no denying that his roles as Brick Tamland and Andy Stitzer were inspirational, both characters were very simple; with little depth to their character, the humour was idiotic at its best. Conversely, his role as Barry allows for a much deeper, intellectual level of comedy to be expressed, despite Barry’s simple nature. As the film progresses, we find out more about the character and really start to empathise with his situation, even to the point where the “mousterpieces” become an endearing part of his character as opposed to the peculiar hobby that we first witness. Along with Carell’s pre-established qualities developed from his initial successes, Barry becomes a likeable, at times cringe-worthy character, and is Carell’s best role since Dan in Real Life (one of his finest).

"The film’s success is credit to the chemistry between Rudd and Carell, combined with their fine supporting entourage, make this enjoyable viewing"

Now, while Carell deserves much praise, his character is only successful because of the stellar supporting roster of comic talent that is present throughout this film. Rudd is entertaining as Tim, combining his dry wit and likeable image to Carell’s youthful energy. From proposing to the wrong woman to impress a Swiss investor to dragging himself into the bedroom in search of a back brace, Rudd somehow manages to make it all seem real. His unique comic ability means that he can make the most exuberant occurrence seem almost mundane, as if it is just part of his normal, day-to-day life.

With the likes of Zach Galifianakis, Jemaine Clement, David Walliams, Lucy Punch, Octavia Spencer and Chris O'Dowd making up the numbers, one could be excused for being a little overwhelmed. Very rarely do we see such talent in depth in a film and their presence certainly adds a further element of enjoyment to this likeable title.

While the film provides equal amounts of zany and intellectual enjoyment, it is at times a little restrained. Feeling slightly reserved at times, it never fully explores or pushes the darker boundaries of Barry’s simplicity. Sure, it is a dangerous avenue to pursue, but its rewards can be substantial; as Robert Downey Jnr’s character in Tropic Thunder so politically incorrectly commented, “you never go full retard” - as long as a line is drawn, its comic potential is endless.

The praise, however, must go to Rudd and Carell as leads. The film’s success is credit to the chemistry between the two who, combined with their fine supporting entourage, make this enjoyable viewing. The characters themselves occasionally feel somewhat undeveloped, lacking depth and as such rely heavily on the actors to bring them through.

The cameo performances of a number of actors drag the film back, with Galifianakis putting in a great performance, developing from his success in 2009’s The Hangover. Chris O’Dowd’s performance as the blind swordsman is genius, providing a number of laugh-out-loud moments.

Overall, Dinner for Schmucks is an entertaining and enlightening journey. Its shortcomings of lacking character development and lack of risqué comedy are combatted by its incredible depth of talent and superb individual performances. Unfortunately, it is hard to shake the feeling that, with a cast as impressive as this, the film should have been one of the best in a decade but nevertheless this is definitely worth a viewing.

Run time: 114 minutes

Dinner For Schmucks opens in the UK September 3rd

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE HELP SUPPORT OUR SITE, AT NO COST WITH ONE CLICK ON THE FACEBOOK 'LIKE' BUTTON BELOW: