Popcorn Pick 7-30-10

No summer movie season is complete without one big comedy. That honor (or dishonor) for this summer goes to Dinner For Schmucks, a remake of a French film with our favorite funny-man duo, Steve Carell and Paul Rudd. Rudd is trying to advance in his company when he learns of a ritual the higher-up people do in order to secure a promotion: they host a fancy dinner and everyone brings a guest. The person with the dumbest and/or funniest guest secures a promotion. He's uncomfortable with this seemingly cruel process, until he finds Carell, a weirdo who collects dead mice and is socially retarded on all levels. Rudd is sure this guy will get him his promotion, but an unexpected friendship will complicate matters. The plot is strangely complex for a summer comedy, but once people get through that, they may find a sweet and funny story with a message. (I'm reserving judgment until I see it; I can't tell if it's good or not.) In a smart move, the film co-stars Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover). It's also directed by Jay Roach (Austin Powers trilogy, Meet the Parents).