Director: Jay Roach
Run Time: 1 hrs. 50 min.
Rating: PG-13
The Bouw-Man.
The word “trust” comes to mind every time I see the preview for “Dinner for Schmucks.” On the surface, it looks really stupid. I know that the intent, but not one sequence from the trailer was even remotely humorous. One must be careful when you make a film of this nature. Relying on laughs from the idiotic behavior of weird or slow individuals is tricky business. Obviously it was successful in some of Jim Carrey’s earlier work, but not so much for someone like Pauly Shore. It is also important that you don’t strictly poke fun of people for being different, because it will come off as just mean in the end. Having empathy for the targeted characters is also vital, but you don’t want to make it too sentimental because it is a comedy after all. It’s very delicate balance, and it’s often times very tough to pull off on the big screen.
Now back to “trust” factor. Steve Carell and Paul Rudd have a very successful track record of making smart, enjoyable comedies together. “Anchorman” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” both were a couple of the best comedies of the last ten years. So, you have to think that “Dinner for Schmucks” will at least qualify as a worthwhile film to go and view. Director Jay Roach may not be a household name, but few would disagree with the quality of “Meet the Parents,” “Meet the Fockers,” “Borat” and “Charlie Bartlett.” So, I think it’s safe to say, that “Dinner with Schmucks” has more positives in its corner than negatives. It’s pretty accurate that the trailer does nothing for the film’s credibility, but I do trust the players in their quest for a fine comedic product.
Prediction.
“Anchorman” made approximately $28.5 million its opening weekend in 2004, and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin made approximately $21.5 million in 2005. Although I don’t think “Dinner with Schmucks” has as much initial appeal as those two, it does have the inflation of movie ticket prices on its side. Let’s make it simple, and put it in the middle of their previous work. $25 million is a nice round number for opening weekend.
Opening Weekend Gross: $25 Million
Noodles.
I'm one of those guys that thinks Paul Rudd is one of the most underrated geniuses in Hollywood. I find that I like this guy in most of the stuff he chooses to star in. From "I love You Man" to his bit part in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" he always brings something charming and fun to a film. I feel like I'm trying to get a date with the guy. Forgive me.
The trailer leads me to believe that this has the makings of a very funny film. If classic TV sitcoms have shown us anything its that this premise of bringing an "other than" to a party for the "cool kids" to make fun of is a tried and true concept. The only thing we have to wonder is if they will beat us to death with a message of acceptance, as these stories tend to do. Still looks like we're in store for a good laugh or two.
Prediction.
Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, that guy from "The Hangover", this film is boasting a good cast and a fun premise, so it may do pretty well.
Opening Weekend: Gross: $27 Million
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