Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slapstick comedy feasts on the nerdiness of others.
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Dinner for Schmucks
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 26 parent reviews
Based on 40 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is a crude and often uncomfortable comedy that relies heavily on sexual humor, slapstick, and strong language, making it unsuitable for younger viewers. While some found it hilarious and a great family movie with meaningful messages, many others criticized it for excessive sexual references and a lack of subtlety in its humor.
- crude humor
- excessive language
- mixed reviews
- family unsuitable
- strong messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on filmmaker Francis Veber's French comedy Le Diner Des Cons (The Dinner Game), DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS stars Paul Rudd as Tim, a financial analyst who wants to move up -- literally and figuratively -- to the big leagues at his firm. A deal he suggests is well-received, but first he must pass the ultimate test: Bring a guest to a company dinner expressly to show off his or her idiocy. As it happens, he nearly runs over the perfect candidate -- Barry (Steve Carrell) works for the IRS and makes painstakingly assembled still-lifes populated by stuffed mice. (They're actually cuter than they sound.) Barry is eager to make a friend in Tim and agrees to go to dinner, but the 24 hours before the actual event finds the two thrown together in the silliest of ways.
Is It Any Good?
A Paul Rudd-Steve Carrell production can't fail -- they are, hands down, two of the funniest men working in comedy today. In fact, they're so simpatico as a team that they should take the show on the road. When they're on screen, they're always watchable, with their singular expressions and easy delivery. The supporting cast -- comprised of such comedic heavy-hitter as Jemaine Clement and Zach Galifianakis -- also appeals.
But Dinner for Schmucks still isn't exactly the perfect cinematic meal. Director Jay Roach and his actors go for broke in terms of absurdity, but there's something about it that doesn't quite translate. (Maybe it played better in French?) While some bits are hilarious, others -- like a side plot about Tim's sexually aggressive female stalker -- feel like a strain. And some sections just seem downright disappointing; the aforementioned dinner, for instance, is a free-for-all mock-fest, and it's hard to laugh freely when you're cringing too much. One of the key problems, actually, is that the movie takes too long to arrive at that pivotal event in the first place; by the time we finally get to dinner, we're not all that hungry anymore.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's message. What's the ultimate take-away? Does any of the positive stuff get lost amid the movie's humor?
Would you be willing to make fun of other people for personal gain? Do you think it would be easy to stand up and do the right thing, even if your job was at risk?
Who are the real "idiots" in this movie? How can you tell?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 30, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : January 4, 2011
- Cast : Paul Rudd , Steve Carell , Zach Galifianakis
- Director : Jay Roach
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of crude and sexual content, some partial nudity and language
- Last updated : January 17, 2025
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