Meet the Parents [M]

Everything is sailing smoothly for Greg Focker. He’s young, he’s got a steady job, and he’s about to propose to the girl of his dreams. But there is one catch: before asking for Pam’s hand in marriage, he must first get the blessing of her father, Jack. Although not really knowing what to expect, Greg is startled to learn that Jack is a retired CIA agent and human lie detector. As one disaster leads to another, Greg starts to doubt whether he can survive the weekend with this family, let alone the rest of his life. 

This was a film all its own. It was almost a new genre of comedy, achieving hilarity through fear and intimidation. Actually there is a word that rightly describes the specific humour of this film: schadenfreude – taking pleasure in other people’s pain. This film has you laughing, biting your nails, crying, and screaming in anger all at once. It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with more stomach churning drops than smooth ascents.  

Greg Focker’s life is sailing smoothly. He’s got a job that he loves and he has found his soul mate. After only ten months of dating, Greg decides to propose. But before asking for Pam’s hand in marriage, Greg must first get the blessing of her father, Jack. Although not really knowing what to expect, Greg is startled to discover that Jack is a retired CIA agent adept at psycho profiling, and a human lie detector. Having been told by Pam to not let it slip that they are living together, Greg’s mind soon begins to unhinge as he attempts to conceal things from her uptight and intimidating father. As one uncomfortable situation quickly escalates into disaster after disaster, Greg starts to doubt whether he can survive the weekend with this family, let alone the rest of his life. 

Ben Stiller stars as Greg Focker and I have to say that no one could have done it better. Ben just has that sort of face that can convey great uncomfortableness and, even though you do feel awful for him and what he has to suffer in this movie, you cannot help but laugh when he’s put on the spot. 

Robert De Niro stars as Jack and he was absolutely brilliant. Even as an audience member, you’re completely intimidated and terrified of him. He just exudes superiority and authority and it really is hysterical seeing him, almost literally, ripping Ben to shreds. 

Alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller star Blythe Daner and Teri Polo in this wonderful comedy of endurance. Filled with disasters both domestic and outdoors, live animals, amazing carpentry, and schadenfreude, Meet the Parents is a wonderfully funny film that will make you squirm, cringe, laugh, and bite your nails in fear and anticipation. It’s in a league of its own.