I bet you thought Ocean’s 12 had some big names. Well, not to be outdone, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller and Barbara Streisand all team up to bring you a sequel to the wildly popular film Meet the Parents, with Meet the Fockers.
Gaylord Focker (Stiller) thought he had gotten through one of the hardest and most awkward parts of any relationship, meeting his future in-laws, the Byrnes (De Niro and Danner).
But, now he finds himself in yet another un-enviable situation, having his in-laws meet his parents, the Fockers (Hoffman and Streisand). The only problem is The Fockers are polar opposites of the conservative Byrnes. Will they get along, or will it be a disaster?
Let me just say, I loved Meet the Parents. It made me laugh even when I wanted to turn away from the screen, the scenes were so familiar and yet so uncomfortable. We can all sympathize with the fear of meeting your future in-laws, and wanting to make a good impression with them.
Meet the Fockers continues to play to the same strengths of the first film, but also does a great job of introducing two new characters and new conflict. While Stiller does all he can to placate to De Niro’s, hard-line conservative character, his parents could care less, and cannot help but be themselves.
The Fockers, Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand, are the funniest parts of the film. Two Florida Jews, they are the polar opposite from De Niro’s straight-laced conservative character. Instead of changing to keep him happy, they attack the problem head on, which makes for great comedy.
Yes, the movie does have its flaws, a lot of the jokes are obvious and repetitive, but if you were a fan of the first film this one will not disappoint you.
