Dinner for Schmucks (Movie)

1 Min Read
Title — Dinner for Schmucks
Available on — Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV, Tubi, Pluto TV
Production Country — United States
Release Date — 2010
The host of a dinner party invites his friends to bring the saddest loser they can find. But the ultimate schmuck turns everyone else into the losers.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

“Dinner for Schmucks” is a comedic tale that follows the misadventures of Tim Conrad, a financial analyst aiming for a promotion. When Tim impresses his boss Lance Fender, he is invited to a peculiar dinner where each executive must bring an eccentric individual to be ridiculed for entertainment. Tim’s guest, Barry, a well-meaning but socially awkward man, inadvertently turns the tables on the arrogant guests. As the night unfolds, friendships are formed, love blossoms, and unexpected bonds are forged. In the end, Tim marries Julie, Barry finds love, does artwork, and hosts a unique gathering for the “losers.” The film explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the true meaning of success amidst a backdrop of humor and heartwarming moments.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis, Jemaine Clement, Jeff Dunham, Bruce Greenwood, Ron Livingston, Chris O’Dowd, Lucy Punch, Stephanie Szostak, David Walliams, Larry Wilmore

Actor Role
Steve Carell Barry
Paul Rudd Tim
Zach Galifianakis Therman
Jemaine Clement Kieran
Jeff Dunham Not specified
Bruce Greenwood Lance Fender
Ron Livingston Caldwell

💬 Reviews and feedback

Have you ever been to a dinner party where the main course is comedy, but it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth? Well, “Dinner for Schmucks” might just be that kind of gathering. This film, unfortunately, falls short of being the comedic feast one would hope for. It’s like ordering a steak and getting tofu instead; it just doesn’t hit the spot.

The plot revolves around a group of conceited wealthy individuals who use an unsuspecting man as part of an elaborate prank. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the joke is on them. While this premise has potential for hilarity, the execution fails to deliver consistent laughs.

One of the key issues with “Dinner for Schmucks” is its imbalance between humor and emotion. Unlike successful comedies that strike a harmonious chord between hearty laughter and touching moments, this film seems to veer more towards sentimentality than comedy. The attempts at humor often fall flat, leaving viewers craving genuine laughter.

Furthermore, the film suffers from being overly long. Just like a dinner party that overstays its welcome, “Dinner for Schmucks” drags on, making it challenging to stay engaged throughout its duration. The pacing feels off, and what could have been snappy comedic timing turns into awkward pauses.

In terms of appropriateness for different age groups, parents should take note of some content concerns. The movie contains swearing, including strong language like “s–t,” as well as sexual content such as nude women covered in body paint and references to sexual acts. Additionally, there are scenes depicting social drinking. While stars like Paul Rudd and Steve Carell may attract younger audiences, parental discretion is advised.

Acting and Characters:

  • The performances in “Dinner for Schmucks” are a mixed bag. Steve Carell brings his signature quirky charm to his role as the unwitting guest at the center of the prank. His portrayal adds layers to a character that could easily have been one-dimensional.
  • On the other hand, Paul Rudd’s talent feels underutilized in this film. Despite his charismatic presence on screen, Rudd’s character lacks depth and fails to connect with the audience on a deeper level.

Cinematography and Production Design:

  • Visually, “Dinner for Schmucks” offers some aesthetically pleasing moments with its production design. The settings of lavish dinner parties and upscale homes provide a backdrop of opulence that contrasts with the comedic chaos unfolding within them.
  • The cinematography captures these settings effectively but does little to enhance the overall storytelling or comedic elements of the film. While visually appealing, it falls short of elevating the viewing experience.

Score and Special Effects:

  • The musical score in “Dinner for Schmucks” complements certain scenes well by adding emotional depth where needed. However, it lacks memorable motifs or standout tracks that linger in viewers’ minds after watching.
  • As for special effects, while not heavily relied upon in this genre of comedy, they serve their purpose adequately without being particularly noteworthy or groundbreaking.

Editing and Pace:

  • The editing in “Dinner for Schmucks” struggles to maintain a cohesive flow throughout the narrative. Transitions between scenes can feel abrupt at times, disrupting the overall rhythm of the film.
  • In terms of pace, as mentioned earlier, the movie lingers longer than necessary on certain plot points or jokes, leading to moments where viewers may find themselves checking their watches rather than fully immersing themselves in the story.

Binge-watching Tips: If you’re looking for a light-hearted comedy with moments of heartwarming sincerity and don’t mind occasional cringe-worthy humor mixed with sentimentality,“Dinner for Schmucks” could be worth checking out on a lazy weekend afternoon.

To wrap up this review buffet,“Dinner for Schmucks” may leave you feeling more peckish than satisfied when it comes to comedy cravings. While there are glimpses of entertainment scattered throughout its runtime,

Rating: 5/10

In conclusion,“Dinner for Schmucks” serves up a lukewarm dish when it comes to delivering consistent laughs but manages to sprinkle moments of warmth amidst its comedic mishaps.
Remember folks: Sometimes even at fancy dinners,We end up settling for leftovers.
Bon appétit!

Pros Cons
Well-acted Not funny
Heartwarming moments Painfully overlong
Entertaining Attempts at humor fizzle quickly
Star-studded cast Includes swearing and sexual content
Fitsfuly nourishing comedy More leaning on emotional moments than hearty laughs

Feedback

  • Dinner for Schmucks (2010) - IMDb

    An Americanised remake of the French comedy Le Diner De Cons (1998), Dinner For Schmucks puts together an admirable cast of comics, including Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, Jemaine Clement (of Flight Of The Concords fame) and Zach Galifianakis. I understand that his star is growing rapidly, but his name is just too hard to type, so for the rest of this article he will be ‘Fat Jesus.’ Nonetheless, this film delivers laughs and emotion in satisfying doses, and something I would definitely recommend.Paul Rudd plays Tim, who works a nothing job in Generic Financial Firm #17, until his superiors offer him the chance at a promotion. The catch? He must impress at a dinner hosted by his boss, at which all employees must bring along the most idiotic guest they can find in the hope of taking out first prize. Enter Steve Carell’s Barry, IRS employee and amateur taxidermist, whose unique ‘skill’ with turning dead mice into works of art makes him the perfect candidate. Also circling the plot is Tim’s diminishing relationship with girlfriend Julie, who no longer has feelings for the corporate drone Tim has become.The acting is competent overall, but two performances stand out and really give this film a kick. Clement seems to take great pride in his character: a pretentious artist whose hobbies include tantric sex and living amongst goats. In fact, his character is reminiscent of Russell Brand as Aldous Snow (Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek), but Clement comes right out of left field with excellent line delivery and tone, coupled with some fantastic physical comedy.Paul Rudd may receive top billing, but make no mistake Steve Carell drives this film. Just about every line that comes out of Barry’s mouth is gold, and a testament to the effort put into the screenplay. But it is the dimension, as opposed to just the humour, of Barry’s character that makes him so engaging. He invokes real sympathy in a couple of emotional scenes that prove him to be much more than just a ‘schmuck.’ And his absurdist chemistry with Fat Jesus during the climactic scene is nothing short of hilarious.As soppy as it sounds, the film drives home a nice moral about how all people, regardless of hobby or intellect, all crave the same feelings of friendship and compassion in their lives. One scene in which Barry effectively questions all that he has achieved in his life is particularly heart wrenching and although it sets the foundation for an admittedly cliché ending, it is pleasing to see a film that markets itself as a first-string comedy still putting emphasis on genuine affection and character.When using a number system to rate films for as long as I have, one begins to develop a conscious idea about what number represents certain films. In my book, anything ranked at eight or above typically constitutes either a classic, or a film I think will be looked upon as a classic in the next twenty years. Dinner For Schmucks dosen’t rank quite so high, but it puts up a great fight.*There’s nothing I love more than a bit of feedback, good or bad. So drop me a line on jnatsis@iprimus.com.au and let me know what you thought of my review.*

  • Dinner for Schmucks - Wikipedia

    Dinner for Schmucksis a 2010 American comedy film directed by Jay Roach and based on Francis Veber’s 1998 French filmLe Dîner de Cons.

    Dinner for Schmucks
    Directed by Jay Roach
    Screenplay by
    • David Guion
    • Michael Handelman
    Based on Le Dîner de Cons

    by Francis Veber

    Produced by
    • Walter F. Parkes
    • Laurie MacDonald
    • Jay Roach
    Starring
    Cinematography Jim Denault
    Edited by
    Music by Theodore Shapiro

    Production

  • Dinner for Schmucks | Rotten Tomatoes

    Movie ClipsDinner for SchmucksMore Like ThisRelated Movie NewsVideosDinner for SchmucksPhotosDinner for SchmucksMovie Info

    • Director
    • Jay Roach
    • Producer
    • Walter F. Parkes,Laurie MacDonald,Jay Roach
    • Screenwriter
    • David Guion,Michael Handelman
    • Distributor
    • Paramount Pictures
    • Production Co
    • Parkes/MacDonald,Everyman Pictures
    • Rating
    • PG-13 (Language|Crude and Sexual Content|Some Partial Nudity)
    • Genre
    • Comedy
    • Original Language
    • English
    • Release Date (Theaters)
    • Jul 30, 2010, Wide
    • Release Date (Streaming)
    • Jun 6, 2014
    • Box Office (Gross USA)
    • $73.0M
    • Runtime
    • 1h 54m
    • Sound Mix
    • SDDS,Dolby Digital,DTS
  • Dinner for Schmucks movie review (2010) | Roger Ebert

    “Dinner for Schmucks” was inspired by Francis Veber’s French film “The Dinner Game,” which was an enormous hit in France but seemed a shade on the mean side. The genius of this version depends on the performance by Steve Carell, who plays Barry Speck as a man impervious to insult and utterly at peace with himself. He’s truly a transcendent idiot.

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the 2010 comedy film “Dinner for Schmucks,” directed by Jay Roach and starring Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, the story revolves around Tim Conrad (Rudd), an ambitious executive invited to a unique dinner where guests must bring eccentric individuals known as “schmucks.” These are people who are unintentionally funny or foolish. Tim, torn between career success and his morals, befriends Barry Speck (Carell), an IRS employee with a passion for taxidermy and a talent for chaos.

As the plot unfolds, Tim realizes that Barry is more than just a “schmuck.” However, the climax reveals the true nature of the dinner. The wealthy host, Lance Fender (Bruce Greenwood), uses the event to mock and belittle the guests for his own ego boost. Tim’s discovery of this betrayal prompts him to expose Lance, leading to a chaotic yet humorous sequence where the guests, including their colleagues, realize they were manipulated for entertainment.

Tim’s decision to stand up against Lance not only saves him from further humiliation but also teaches him about integrity and doing what’s right. The film emphasizes the importance of friendship and acceptance, portraying the “schmucks” as genuine and kind-hearted individuals deserving respect. Tim’s growth as a character culminates in embracing their quirks and appreciating them for who they are.

The ending of “Dinner for Schmucks” delivers a satisfying resolution, adding depth to the comedy by highlighting themes of integrity, friendship, and acceptance. It resonates with audiences by showcasing the value of standing up against injustice and celebrating uniqueness. This twist in the story elevates the film from a simple comedy to a memorable and enjoyable experience with a meaningful message.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

PG-13

Age Rating:

Dinner for Schmucks is rated PG-13 for strong language, sexual humor, and some crude references.

Parental Guide:

Parents should be cautious when allowing children to watch Dinner for Schmucks. Here is a breakdown of the content:

  • Sex & Nudity: The movie contains strong sexual humor with references to orgies, accusations of prostitution, and explicit language regarding sexual acts.
  • Violence & Scariness: Some intense arguments escalate into physical fights.
  • Language: The film features a significant amount of strong language and profanity.

Considering the content, it is recommended that Dinner for Schmucks is suitable for mature teenagers aged 16 and above.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Amazon Prime Video Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started.
Pluto TV Watch Dinner for Schmucks on-demand for free.
Tubi Free with English subtitles.
Paramount Plus, Sky Go, Now TV Cinema, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel Available for streaming.
Hoopla, Showtime Apple TV Channel Available for streaming.
Pluto TV Available for free with ads.
Microsoft Store, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu Available for rent.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • When he finds out that his work superiors host a dinner celebrating the idiocy of their guests, a rising executive questions it when he's invited, just as he befriends a man who would be the perfect guest.
  • In the words of John Lennon, 'you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not.'
    Barry
  • The only what?
    Tim
  • No, that's the lyric: 'You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.'
    Tim
  • Oh, OK Tim.
    Barry
  • Barry: Vincent Van Gogh. Everyone said to him, 'You can't be a great painter, you only have one ear.' And you know what he said? 'I can't hear you.'
  • Barry: I know everything! I have laid eggs... inside of your brain!
  • Therman: Get them out of my head!
  • Barry: You are no longer in control of me! I control you, and you are under my power!
  • [whispering]
  • Barry: I know everything. And I release you!

🤖Dinner for Schmucks Reddit Talks

Dinner for Schmucks is a 2010 American comedy film directed by Jay Roach and starring Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and Zach Galifianakis. The film is based on the 1998 French film *Le Dîner de Cons* (literally, “The Dinner of Idiots”).

The film follows Tim Conrad (Rudd), a rising executive who is invited to a monthly dinner party hosted by his boss, Marty (Bruce Greenwood). The catch is that each guest must bring an “idiot” as a source of entertainment. Tim reluctantly invites Barry Speck (Carell), a quirky taxidermist with a strange obsession with dead mice. As the evening progresses, Tim begins to realize that Barry is not as idiotic as he seems, and that he may have more to offer than Tim initially thought.

Reviews of Dinner for Schmucks were mixed, with some critics praising the performances of Carell and Rudd, while others found the film to be too predictable and unfunny.

One of the main criticisms of the film was that it was too similar to the original French film. Some critics felt that the American adaptation did not add anything new to the story, and that it was simply a shot-for-shot remake of the original.

However, other critics praised the performances of Carell and Rudd, and felt that they brought a lot of charm and humor to the film. Carell’s performance as Barry Speck was particularly praised, with many critics calling it one of his best.

Overall, Dinner for Schmucks is a harmless comedy that is sure to provide a few laughs. However, if you are looking for a film that is original or thought-provoking, you may be disappointed.

Here are some of the specific topics that were discussed on Reddit about Dinner for Schmucks:

  • The performances of Steve Carell and Paul Rudd
  • The similarities between the American adaptation and the original French film
  • The overall humor of the film
  • Whether or not the film is appropriate for children
  • The use of real mice in the film

Overall, the Reddit community had a mixed reaction to Dinner for Schmucks. Some users praised the film for its humor and performances, while others found it to be too predictable and unfunny.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dinner for Schmucks worth watching?

Dinner for Schmucks is not recommended for audiences seeking a comedy with consistent humor. The film leans more towards emotional moments rather than hearty laughs and can feel overlong with humor that falls flat.

Is Dinner for Schmucks inappropriate?

Yes, Dinner for Schmucks contains swearing, sexual content, and social drinking, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. Parents should be aware of the adult themes present in the movie.

Did they use real mice in Dinner for Schmucks?

The Chiodo brothers created more than 100 model mice for the film Dinner for Schmucks. While real mice were not used, the crafted models were a significant part of the visual elements in the movie.

What is the plot of Dinner for Schmucks?

In Dinner for Schmucks, the plot revolves around a group of arrogant individuals who use a man named Barry as part of a joke. However, the tables turn, and the joke ends up backfiring on them, leading to unexpected relationships and amusing situations.

What happens at the end of Dinner for Schmucks?

At the end of Dinner for Schmucks, main characters find themselves in unique relationships: Tim marries Julie, Barry connects with Darla, collaborates with Vollard, and starts hosting a “breakfast for champions” for all the eccentric guests.

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