All for a good laugh

I LOVE laughter ... well; it's what makes the world go round. A quick laugh or an uncontrollable chuckle can often be just the thing to make our deepest frustrations wash away. There really is nothing quite as satisfying as a good laugh, whether giving or receiving one.

In fact, I love comedy so much that I often live my life as if it were a movie, taking every opportunity that presents itself to make a stupid joke or clever quip. So, when I see a movie that makes me laugh, I can't help but love it, no matter how ridiculous the plot might be.

Dinner for Schmucks is one of those films I think everyone will enjoy because it's a laugh, it doesn't take itself too seriously and will resonate with most people (provided they have a funny bone in their body). I'm not saying that the intellectuals of the world will be challenged by the depth of the humour in this film, but the timing and delivery of the gags certainly did impress me.

Tim Conrad is a mid-level finance executive who doesn't ask for much in life, all he really wants is to make it to the top of the corporate food chain. He could do with a bigger pay cheque, a nicer car or just better hours and he's reached a stage in life where he feels like he deserves those things. The problem is, no one appreciates all his hard work, the countless hours of overtime, or the mini-emotional breakdown that is lurking around every coffee break.

When Tim's boss Lance invites him to a 'dinner for winners', he must find and bring an eccentric person with a special talent; the winner earns a trophy and the executive that brought him, or her, gets glory. However, Tim soon learns it is more of a 'dinner for idiots' where the guests will be mocked relentlessly and mercilessly (which although it's cruel, is also comedic gold).

Meanwhile, Tim's girlfriend Julie tells him that the dinner is cruel and talks him out of asking an artist she works with. Well, poor Tim seems to be running out of options until fate delivers him a golden ticket in the form of super-nerd, Barry Speck.

While Barry is trying to revive a dead mouse he found lying on the road, Tim accidentally hits him with his car. Since Barry is a fairly (for lack of a better word) 'slow' guy, Tim thinks he's found the man that will help him secure his promotion. He invites him to the dinner and Barry accepts, thinking to himself that he's found a new friend.

That same night, Barry shows up at unsuspecting Tim's house totally unannounced and to make matters slightly more awkward, he's accidentally invited the lovely Darla to join them. This wouldn't be too bad if Darla wasn't a crazy woman Tim once dated who is now his stalker.

The plot goes off on several tangents but one thing remains constant ... the laughs. This is the type of film that will have you with your head in your hands, watching through your fingers as you fight for breath and the tears of laughter stream down your face.

One of the best things about the film is the remarkable chemistry between Rudd and Carrel. The two worked well together in Ancorman, funnily enough with Carrel assuming a similar role, and his gift for playing outrageous characters has obviously not faltered over the years. Carrel manages the difficult role with ease, the reason it's difficult is because in order to be believable as Barry, a simple guy who means well and is by no means a bad person, but who just ends up annoying you.

Give it a go, if you like it then send me a thank you note and if you don't like it ... well, you're clearly devoid of a sense of humour and I don't want to be your friend in any case. Happy viewing!

Showing in Cineco, Seef II and Saar Cineplex