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The Laughs Supper

Comedy may be the most versatile genre. In a drama, the story needs to have depth and intelligence to be revered. How many "silly dramas" can you think of? Not counting the ones that did it by accident (i.e., "The Room" or "Showgirls"). But a comedy can be down-right goofy and still be considered great ("Dumb and Dumber", anyone?). Sure, I know, we like to think, "no, I only like comedies with depth and heart, like 'Shakespeare in Love'". But, come on. Sometimes you get your biggest belly-laughs while simultaneously thinking, "oh man, that is so stupid". Case in point: "Dinner for Schmucks". It's not a great movie. It's a perfectly stupid and ultimately forgettable film from director Jay Roach that will, nonetheless, have you laughing even as it dissolves from your memory.

The setup for "Schmucks" couldn't be simpler. Tim (Paul Rudd), eager for promotion, lands an opportunity to impress his boss at an exclusive, private dinner. The catch? He must bring an idiot. You see, the higher-ups at this company invite "losers" to dinner and then make fun of them ("that's messed up", they repeatedly remark). Tim's girlfriend, of course, is horrified by the idea. So: is Tim willing to sell his soul for his job? The answer would appear to be no. Until, that is, he meets the perfect candidate in Barry (Steve Carell). Let the comedy begin!

And begin it does, courtesy of a very talented cast, even in the smaller roles (Ron Livingston playing a "company man"? Oh the irony!). But be forewarned: the meal of the title occupies only a fraction of the film. Most of the movie's slightly long two hours involves increasingly awkward complications - with varying degrees of humor - between Tim, his girlfriend (Stephanie Szostak, in a thankless role) and his prospective Swiss client (David Walliams, always fun). There's a brunch between these characters that's even more memorable than the titular meal.

It continues to be a treat seeing Paul Rudd achieve leading-man status. Here he follows in Ben Stiller's footsteps as the put-upon straight man. Only John Cusack can play a more easily likable jerk. And he's not the only one playing a type. Bruce Greenwood is the evil boss, Lucy Punch is the stalker ex, and Jemaine Clement from "The Flight of the Conchords" appears in the Russell Brand role (and I'm not eager to see this character get his own film either). Zach Galifianakis, meanwhile, continues his string of memorable side characters, somehow managing to turn his face beet-red on cue.

In Mr. Roach's capable hands, it works, even though you never buy the premise for a minute. An experienced comedy director, he knows enough to commit to his characters and his premise and then mine them for laughs. He gets them. And for this he owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Carell. The movie lives or dies with him. In Barry, writers David Guion and Michael Handelman (who were inspired by the film "Le Diner de Cons") have created a perfect vessel into which to pour the actor's significant comedic talent. They give him a classic job (IRS agent), a perfect hobby (he creates elaborate models using dead mice - you really need to see it) and a complete lack of irony. The film's best joke may be: the guy playing the "schmuck" is the real genius.