Jack's the focker, not Greg! (Meet the Parents (DVD))

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	Meet the Parents (DVD)
Date:	28/02/09 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: very funny

Disadvantages: a tad predictable

WHAT IS IT ABOUT:
Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro star as the son in law and father in law to be. Greg Focker (Stiller) has nothing but the best intentions for his relationship with Jack's daughter Pam, but that doesn't mean he's welcome into the family; Jack's an ex CIA agent who typifies the hard to please father in law, and the two are in for one hell of a ride.

IS IT ANY GOOD:
I have to say this film is a complete success, albeit a fairly straightforward and predictable comedy. It's typical good guy vs bad guy, and the roles are perfectly cast. Stiller has just the right amount of geekiness to offset his cocky side, and immediately disarms viewers who feel nothing but empathy for him. De Niro relies on a career of playing the tough guy to ease his way through the role - it's nothing Oscar worthy, but there's nothing wrong with his basic, one dimensional performance either.

The dialogue and gags are great, and whilst many of the jokes are predictable, they're still hilarious. When Jack puts Greg through and im-promptu lie detector test, I nearly passed out with laughing!

I have to admit I watched this film in the run up to my own wedding, and there were more than a few likenesses between Jack and my future father in law. Anyone who's been married will likely relate to some of the plot, and it's a real relief to see it's not just me!

Owen Wilson gives a small, yet brilliant, performance - a sign that he and Stiller work well together which is echoed in their brilliant re-make of Starsky and Hutch.

IF YOU LIKED IT:
The sequek 'Meet the Fockers' is even funnier.

IN CONCLUSION:
Predictable yet enjoyable, Meet the Parents is one to watch!

Summary: watch it