Deceptively Hilarious (Meet the Parents (DVD))

Name: davidso_99

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Product:	Meet the Parents (DVD)
Date:	25/07/02 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: easy to watch, hilarious, cheap

Disadvantages: acting (at times), predictable (at times)

When mummy brought home a rented video for the family to watch as she often does and after I had taken a peak at the Film title, I was slightly disappointed to learn that we would be watching 'Meet the Parents' and not say Fight Club or just something more significant. I thought it would just be one of those bad films that you watch merely to pass time. I mean its not exactly too promising is it? I assumed it was just another De Niro-trying-to-milk-the-industry-for-all-its-worth film, especially with the seemingly shallow plot-a man goes to meet his girlfriend's parents. Wow! Boy was I wrong.

The story:

Male nurse Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) is poised propose to his girlfriend Pam (the absolutely stunning Teri Polo) during a stay at her parents. Unfortunately he first has to gain her father's approval. This proves difficult as Pam's father and ex CIA specialist interrogator Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), immediately takes a dislike to Greg and is intent on not giving him an easy ride. Greg doesn't exactly ease these doubts and he, in fact intensifies Jack's dislike into hatred through a side splittingly hilarious string of mishaps, which help establish him as the enemy of the family.

See? Not exactly enthusiasm inspiring is it? But the plot is perfect, as the film tends to rely primarily upon character interaction and relationships as opposed to a significant, profound plot. The all too close relationship between father and daughter (with their special handshake) and the non-collaborative relationship between Greg and Jack are of particular significance. The conversations are characterised By Greg's politeness due to the necessary respect he must pay to the girl's father so as to gain approval while Jack makes every attempt to make things as hard as possible for Focker (who's surname he utters with such enthusiasm). Jack constantly flouts basic conversation cooperation maxims as he scrutinises everythin
g Greg says,'I've got nipples. Can you milk me?' he asks as Greg tells of his cat milking days. Simultaneously, Pam and Mrs Byrnes, her mother, try in vain to keep the peace, resulting in immensely funny situations.

Now anyone that considers themselves to be cursed with bad luck should feel ashamed when compared to Greg Focker. Since birth it seems he was destined for misfortune with his assigned full name being 'Gaylord Focker,' which although may be considered childish humour, really works in this film especially when worked cleverly by Jack into insulting comments '....wait till you have little Fockers crawling around.' Similarly, Pam's middle name is Marther, which doesn't sound to good when allied with her potential surname, and poses as another reason for Jack's disapproval of his daughter's marriage. As the film progresses, Greg gains the family's hatred as he single-handedly wrecks everything in his new surroundings as he destroys Jack's vase containing his late mother's ashes, sets the garden on fire and so on and so on.

One thing I noticed was that the film was very formulaic and predictable in its setting up of potential disaster. For instance, the conversation at Greg's introductory first meal with the family consisted a lot of De Niro's declaration of his love for his fore-mentioned late mother where he even recites a poem he wrote for his ma after her death. When Greg points the cork-sealed champagne in the direction of the ash-containing vase we know the probable result. However, I dismissed this as being irrelevant as the film was nevertheless hilarious.

There was though, mixed standards in acting. Stiller was typically great with his playing-the-fool comedic delivery and De Niro, famed for his roles in hard-hitting films such as Raging Bull and Goodfellas showed his true versatility in playing a more subtle role as a simple family man. However the rest of the
cast, with maybe Teri Polo being exempt for all she had to do was look beautiful, generally acted with amateurish delivery. Granted they were merely playing supporting roles but they didn't do that so well as they were often guilty of cheesiness due to overacting. But they weren't so bad as to spoil the film.

One of the great recent comedies that certainly exceeded my expectations. Certainly a film that can be watched again and again.

Summary: