Why So Blu?

‘Little Fockers’ Was Kind of Focking Funny

I don’t know why I wanted to see Little Fockers more, for my love of the first two films or that the lovely Jessica Alba would be partaking in the newest entry of Meet The Parents?  However, I will say this.  I have become less and less enchanted with Mrs. Alba every time she opens her mouth in the press or types a new Twitter message.  Why do I follow or care?  Good question!  I have no idea.  But we’re not here to discuss that.  We’re here to find out how Little Fockers measures up against the previous two installments. So let’s get going!  Time’s a wasting.

So supposedly Little Fockers is the final installment in the Meet the Parents series.  Where have I ever heard that before?  Only time will tell.  I digress.  Moving on…Director Paul Weitz and Producer Jay Roach bring back familiar faces Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand and newcomers Jessica Alba, Laura Dern and Harvey Keitel.

So I guess it goes without saying that all the original chemistry is in place and I’m pleased to report that it’s all still alive, kicking and doing well.  How can you go wrong with the hilarious slapstick struggles between Stiller and De Niro?  And let’s not forget about Owen Wilson.  This guy has always added a lot of dynamics to this now classic franchise.  But is the third time the charm?  That’s the real question begging to be answered here.  Let’s find out.

The third installment finds us some five years later or so after the events in Meet The Fockers.  Pam (Polo) and Gaylord Focker (I love that name) are now busy with five-year old twins and Gaylord seems to be quite successful in his nursing practice.  Who knew, huh?  Jack (De Niro), former retired CIA Agent and father of Pam, is just as stubborn as ever as he entrusts Gaylord with a little secret about his health and wants to make him the Godfocker (again…hilarious) of the family.  However, Gaylord just so happens to be going through a familiar midlife crisis we all seem to naturally go through.  Enter the beautiful Jessica Alba.  Here’s where I was quite surprised, but in a good way.  I figured Alba would make a cameo or two, but that would be it.  Was I ever wrong!  And I’m glad.  Alba had an essential role throughout this film as a love interest for Gaylord.  You see, not everything is as perfect as things appear to be and let’s face it, Gaylord has some serious temptation to fight when it comes to fending off Alba, doesn’t he?  Sure he does!

Gaylord’s problems eventually awaken the suspicious curiosity of father-in-law Jack.  Personally, I think even a unannounced sneeze would make Jack suspicious of someone or something.  And there it is…Jack is now back to treating his son-in-law worse than you could ever imagine.  When things get to a boiling point between the two, and boy do they ever, you have one of the most intense showdowns to ever transpire between Jack and Gaylord.  The battle ensues!  The punches fly!  Who will prevail?  Who will lose?  I guess you will just have to find out for yourself.  Sucks, huh?

But when we talk about whether this is a good or bad movie, the debate becomes a little bit “meh.”  What I mean by that is you either love the Meet The Parents franchise or you don’t.  I guarantee you that this third film is not going to appeal to you if you hated the first two.  It’s not rocket science folks.  Little Fockers does not venture or stray too far away from the original formula that made the first two films appealing.  You have everything here that made the first two films successful: the relentless antics between Stiller and De Niro, comedic relief from Owen Wilson (you can always count on him) and the hilarious mishaps and unfortunate circumstances (i.e. a needle in the penis) that can only happen in a Meet The Parents film.  The only two variables that are introduced here are the questions of extramarital affairs and raising children.  Obviously, the inclusion of children was the next logical step for this franchise, but I do like the way they utilized Alba’s temptress abilities (you have to admit…at least she can do that well).  So like the Rush Hour movies, you got the typical series of events happening here, in my opinion.  The first film is always the best.  The second film comes close, but can never top the first one.  And the third one…well it’s third.  Same thing here.  If I had to rank the Meet The Parents films in order of liking, it would be sequentially.  That does not mean Little Fockers is bad movie.  That just means it is “meh” compared to the first two, but regardless I liked it for what it was…another chapter in the crazy relationship between Gaylord Focker and Father-in-law Jack.  I don’t think I could ever tire of that.

So I given it some serious thought folks.  How should filmmakers successfully continue this franchise should they decide to make a fourth film?  Any ideas?  I have one.  ZOMBIES!  Yeah, that’s right…zombies.  Think about it.  That’s the next logical step for this series.  If The Walking Dead can be successful, why can’t this work like a fresh of breath air for a dying franchise?  Make it even zanier than Shaun of the Dead.  You pit Gaylord vs. Jack (still going at it after all these years…LOL) and family (obviously bring back Hoffman and Streisand) and put them in amidst of a zombie invasion and I think you will have all the right ingredients for success.  Can you imagine Owen Wilson’s role in this?  Heck, I even have a title for you.  Are you ready?  EAT THE FOCKERS.

Well that’s all my time folks.  Thanks for reading and have a great holiday weekend at the movies.  Merry Christmas.