Meet the Fockers (2004)
It's only fitting that when this
film series moves from the physical, tightly hewn,
mental constipation of Robert Deniro's Jack Burns
character into the more cerebral world of Ben Stiller's
Gaylord Focker that the comedy move from slapstick
to wordplay and witticisms. And that's exactly what
happens in "Meet the Fockers." Sure, the humor is
still silly, scatological and sexual, but it is much
more mental than physical. Slapstick gives way here
to tongue-in-cheek aside. As for the audience, knee-slapping
guffaws turn to knowing snickers.
I am not the biggest Deniro fan.
In fact, I don't think too much of him as an actor
at all. But in these two comedy films he has really
shown himself to not only be able to make fun of his
own cinematic persona but also create comedy based
out of character and human nature. His Jack Burns
could be quite the one-dimensional hardass but Deniro
infuses him with a humanity and intellect that allows
the film to be realistic. Sure, we all know this is
all leading to heartwarming acceptance and a "feel-good"
climax. We know that Stiller's goofy Greg/Gaylord
will be accepted into the family and that Deniro will
see him for the good person that he is. But Deniro
and Stiller are such adept actors that we actually
believe that this is a real developmental arc between
people, even with all the goofy slapstick and cerebral
asides. It is this charm that the characters have
to appear to be themselves, albeit slightly exaggerated
versions of themselves, that makes us want to see
the films.
This sequel was inevitable and even
hinted at quite literally in the original "Meet the
Parents" film in 2000. And without a doubt the real
reason to see the film, other than to revisit the
Deniro/Stiller dynamic, is to see this duo interact
with the amazing Dustin Hoffman and the long-absent
Barbra Streisand. What a hoot!
Hoffman is having quite a year.
His father character here is every bit as interesting
and fun (and witty and intellectual) as his "existential
detective" in David O. Russell's "I
Heart Huckabees." (Hoffman's also played a theater
producer in "Finding
Neverland" and a theater critic in "Lemony
Snicket" this month). Hoffman provides much humor
and some great acting in all of his films but his
unique charm, which he exhibits quite freely here,
is his ability to just exist in a role. To just "be."
Hoffman is so relaxed and so natural that he eases
into this film as if he truly were a Focker. The man
is a living legend, a wonderful example for every
wannabee young actor on the planet and in this film
he reveals how to be funny without trying to be funny.
And Streisand. Wow wow wow! Just
to have her back on the silver screen is a joy that
cannot be matched. To have her here in breezy, relaxed,
fun and witty role like that of Roz Focker is like
a gift from God himself. Streisand just goes with
it here and has the time of her life. The jubilation
is infectious and I doubt anyone can resist her charms.
Sure, it helps if you're a gay guy but even those
who have never really seen the actress perform before
will be seduced by her warm and endearing performance.
The thought that a whole new generation
of film-lovers will be introduced to the talents of
Hoffman and Streisand are enough to make anyone over
40 gush with joy. "Meet the Fockers" allows a whole
new generation to meet two of the most awesome talents
of the last 40 years. And it's funny as hell too.
Notes:
Also with Teri Polo, Blythe Danner,
Owen Wilson, Tim Blake Nelson, Shelley Berman, and
Jack Plotnick.
Deniro and director Jay Roach are
producers.
Music by Randy Newman.
At one times the film was going
to be called "Meet the Parents 2," (presumably if
the MPAA wouldn't allow the title). Also there were
thoughts of spelling the surname Fokker.
Viewed in Pflugerville in December
2004 with my roommate Amanda.
