Frighteningly Dumb

Kenneth Turan takes a cursory look at 'Dinner for Schmucks':

The problem is that Carell's Barry is terribly misconceived. Yes, Barry is a man with no self-awareness and no sense of humor. But instead of being comedic, he comes off as a crazed and dangerous individual.

I've seen this in many reviews. Critics are saying Carell's character isn't so much nutty as a nut -- an emotionally (and/or mentally) challenged individual who creeps you out. Turan is saying sort of the same thing except he seems to think Barry is scarier than most.

From the glimpses I've had, I'd agree. The energy of 'Dinner for Schmucks' is just too edgy to be appealing. Two hours of Carell being dumb to the point of eeriness is too much.

NPR audio: 2:30