Dinner for Schmucks (2010)

When he finds out that his work superiors host a dinner celebrating the idiocy of their guests, a rising executive questions it when he’s invited, just as he befriends a man who would be the perfect guest. (IMDb)

Carell’s schuperb schmuck schtick (“I guess you could say I’m an eternal optometrist”) centers this film, contributing to its great odd couple comedy, driving its excruciating Murphy’s law plot (the brunch scene was a marvel of awkward horror), and providing hints of heart too. The potential inspirational message is botched in the messy pivotal dinner scene (Barry’s beautiful dream presentation was overshadowed by the dumb hi-jinx afterwards) but the reunion at Tim’s place was a nice recovery.

7/10 (Good)

 

Tully (2018)

Lovingly shot (lots of delicate attention to depth-of-focus), effortlessly acted (Davis has a constant twinkle in her eye; Theron shows remarkable range in a complex role), and smartly written and edited (the dialogue is perfectly raw and awkward; the pre-Tully mother/parenthood montage is on point). Gets a little weird in the third act though, and while the twist answers some questions and adds some intrigue, it also introduces a bevy of plot holes that overshadow any of its pros.

7

Office Space (1999)

Three company workers who hate their jobs decide to rebel against their greedy boss. (IMDb)

The corporate office culture satire of the first half is pure gold (see the TPS reports gag, Cole’s outrageous Lumbergh, poor Milton’s marvelous mumbling, Peter’s unexpected promotion, the consultants). It loses a bit of its unique flavour once a plot is introduced (could have done without the relationship drama), but still entertains. Bonus points for the two gangsta rap-backed slow-motion montages of Peter not giving a fuck and then the three smashing the photocopier in the field.

7.5/10 (Really Good)