illariy

So, I went to see Dinner for Schmucks for one principal reason. To make a long story short, it was funny but I wouldn't recommend to go see it just for Bruce Greenwood, because he doesn't have many scenes in it.

Tim (Paul Rudd) fights for a promotion. When his boss Fender (Bruce Greenwood) invites him to a "dinner for winners", he jumps at the chance and starts looking for someone to invite. His girlfriend, though, tries to talk him out of it because she finds the premise cruel: Everyone of the business people brings a guest for all to mock. The most idiotic gets a prize (without knowing what for) and the person who invited him gets Fender's favour. Tim is torn between Julie's wish, his conscience and his yearning for a promotion, that will surely impress Julie. Then he runs into a strange man with his car. Barry (Steve Carrell) stuffs dead mice for artistic displays and also shows a strange disregard for normal social rules. The ideal schmuck to bring to the dinner! Except that Barry clings to Tim and starts changing his life...

So in short, a screwball comedy. It is funny to watch Paul Rudd play the "straight man" to Steve Carrell's oddball. There are the usual race and women issues. Bruce is in about three substantial scenes: near the beginning, when the company has a meeting at the end of which his character Fender extends the dinner invitation. Sometime in the middle, in another shorter company scene. Then of course, at the dinner itself. He's always in suits and doesn't have that many lines. To be honest, I didn't entirely believe him in the role. There are some really funny moments at the dinner when he cracks up at the "idiots'" antics but... either I've watched too many of his interviews he really did err too much on the side of comedy in his portrayal of the boss who likes to make fun of other people. I don't know.

Additional note to the Germans/Swiss/Austrians: Aaaaah, dubbing. *facepalm* Bruce's dubbing voice is strangely high. I did not like it at all. See if you can catch an original sound screening or wait for the DVD or ahem it or whatever. Just... it is a possibility that my lack of belief in Bruce's character comes from the dubbing voice. :P