MEET THE PARENTS

2000

Its always fun to watch movies with plots that you can relate to... and here is one that many of us can. Glenn Focker (Fah-ker), played by Ben Stiller in the typical Stiller-esque manner, goes home with his girlfriend for the first time to attend her sister's wedding and meet her parents. Dad, an ex-CIA interrogator, is played by Robert Deniro. Hijinks ensue. But is it really funny? Does it work? YES! Finally, Deniro is put into a role that lets him mix the mafia-brimming thug with a sort of off-balance charm and tenderness that really works for him and the film. Like I said, Stiller is typical Stiller, but once again it works for him, also. Everyone else in the film is good, but they're really just decoration. The Stiller-Deniro combo is what is worth going to see the movie for. And don't even think that the last name of Stiller's character isn't going to be the funniest joke you ever heard overused in a movie- especially when you realize that his girlfriend's middle name is Martha.

4 Stars

CDF

I know that many people are saying that this is the funniest film of the year, and that Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller are the best comic team since Abbott and Costello, but I disagree. I found the movie to be stupid, predictable, annoying, unbelievable, and very, very unfunny! However, I did enjoy the song, "A Fool in Love" written by Randy Newman and performed by him over the beginning and ending credits. What came in between was an overlong, bad TV sitcom. Don't waste your time.

1 Star

NJB