Hey folks, Harry here with the latest film from the director of AUSTIN POWERS and MYSTERY,ALASKA. This time out Jay Roach has Ben Stiller and Robert DeNiro in this film that is set to arrive in theaters around October 6th of this year. This is a very very early look at this film, which also has Owen Wilson. But it seems that the film is on the right path. Here's Jack...
Harry,
Jack Foley here! You might remember me. A few weeks ago, I wrote in with a review of Nora Ephron's "Numbers." At Universal Studios (CA), I stumbled upon a screening for Jay Roach's (Austin Powers, Mystery Alaska) new film, "Meet the Parents" starring Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller. I have to say that I really enjoyed it.
I won't give away too much plot. Ben Stiller and his girlfriend take a trip to meet his girlfriend's parents for the first time. He wants to make a good impression because he has intentions of asking his girlfriend to marry him. Of course, that's tough because DeNiro (the girlfriend's dad) is a tough, protective ex-CIA agent (although Stiller doesn't find out for a little while). Stiller keeps trying to be the good guy, but DeNiro keeps on him like a hawk, catching him in little white lies. There's also the (I guess you could call it sub) plot where Stiller nearly ruins his girlfriend's sister's wedding that weekend.
Most of the humor in this film is built upon the relationship between DeNiro and Stiller. They're very uncomfortable around each other and works really nicely. DeNiro is very much the straight man here, and he plays it just right, not going overboard. He easily could have become some asshole, but instead, we see him as more of an overprotective father who won't let any guy get too close to his daughter. Stiller is great. He's uncomfortable around DeNiro any moment they're together and he uses the awkward silences perfectly by adding in his little funny comments that don't seem to fly with DeNiro. There's a nice joke about Stiller's character's last name that keeps playing well throughout the film.
The supporting cast is pretty good. The best is Owen Wilson who has a role that is too brief. I really wish there was just a few minutes more with him. The other characters were amusing, but nothing special. They weren't half as memorable as DeNiro's pet cat who gets a few big laughs throughout.
This reminds me of times I've met other girlfriend's parents. It played very true to situations we've all been in before where you're trying to impress someone who doesn't impress easily.
You can see where the movie goes. It's not very complicated or twisty, but then again, it doesn't have to be. It's very entertaining, funny and gets two really nice performances from Stiller and DeNiro.
Until next time...
Jack Foley
