The Unseen Movie Review

Meet the Fockers

Ben Stiller really made his mark with 2000’s comedy about the nightmare of in-laws that was Meet the Parents. His double-act with Robert De Niro, on rare comic form as the sadistic father-in-law, demonstrated amply that he could hack it with the best of them after a series of promising turns in the likes of There’s Something About Mary and Mystery Men. Overseen by the director behind all three Austin Powers flicks, it was a top-notch comedy from a very simple key premise – like a 90 minute sitcom with an A-list cast.

This sequel sees all the key cast – including Stiller’s now equally big-name best buddy Owen Wilson – return for Stiller’s put-upon son-in-law to repay the favour by introducing his new in-laws to his own somewhat eccentric parents. Much as with the original, the basic premise could sound rather uninspired; much as with the original, it is thanks to the tight script and superb cast that this turns into something special.

The double-act cast as Stiller’s somewhat odd Jewish parents is perfect. One half you’d expect this of – Dustin Hoffman is, after all, one of the finest actors of the last four decades, and among his many talents is gifted with superb comic timing. The surprise – for many – will be with the mother.

Barbra Streisand is, these days, often thought of as a bit of a nutter with a big nose who used to sing ballad-style songs, but whose career has now mercifully ended. Her last film role was back in 1996, and that came five years after her previous one, so many have forgotten what a talented actress she can be. She did, after all, deservedly win an Oscar for her debut role as comedienne Fanny Brice in 1968’s Funny Girl.

With two such talented new cast members to add to the mix, both of whom are on absolutely top form, it is unsurprising that they, rather than Stiller and De Niro, become the focus of the sequel. Stiller maintains his put-upon embarrassment of the first movie, and De Niro is relegated to the part of the cynical straight man to the zany antics of Hoffman and Streisand. Which, considering De Niro’s rather lacklustre performances of late, is something of a relief.

On the whole, if you liked the original you will likely like this – and, unlike with some sequels, to really appreciate it you will probably need to have seen the first movie. But even for those who have missed the first film’s character-building there will be a fair few belly-laugh moments. The petty rivalries between De Niro and Hoffman in particular are perfect, and a great reminder of the superb team they made in the sorely underappreciated (and still very relevant) 1997 political satire Wag the Dog.

It still may be a trifle too long and a little slow in a few places, where the humour temporarily seems to dry up or turn somewhat derivative, but there is more than enough here to bring chuckles even to those who hate Barbra Streisand with a passion. And for a comedy to overcome that kind of aversion is an impressive feat indeed.

posted by Nosemonkey @ 12:00 AM