Meet the Fockers (2004 movie)- Review

Directed by: Jay Roach
Released: 2004
Country: United States

Genres: Comedy

Main cast: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Barbra Streisand, Alanna Ubach, Ray Santiago

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Review

''Meet the Fockers'' is sequel to the wonderful romantic comedy ''Meet the Parents'' (2000). But alas, unlike the original film, the sequel is not wonderful. Oh yes, the film is funny, humor is present in almost all scene, but is it a memorable experience? No, it isn't.

A wonderful thing about ''Meet the Parents'' was that in spite of all the jokes, it possessed a kind of sweetness. But ''Meet the Fockers'' is far from being sweet. It is filled with humor, but however, it isn't sweet or charming. It is not charming at all.

But, however, don't think that it is a bad film. It isn't a bad film. In fact, it is enjoyable at quite a few scenes. But however, it lacks sweetness, and is hardly memorable.

The plot revolves around the same old people: Gaylord (Greg) Focker, his fiance Pam, Pam's parents Jack and Dina, and two new characters: Bernie and Roz, the parents of Greg.

The story is set a few days after the events of the first film. This time, the parents of Pam and the parents of Dina are to be introduced to each other.

The character of Jack is still quite strict, but is now more friendly and likes Greg quite much. Jack is now spending most of his times with his grandson Little Jack (son of Debbie).

On the RV of Jack, Greg, Pam, Dina and Jack arrive at Greg's parent's house. Then we are introduced to Greg's father, Bernie.

Played by Dustin Hoffman, Bernie seems to be stranger than Jack. But this ''strange'' is not ''strict''. Bernie is just too fun loving. Greg looks for his mother. It is revealed that his mother, Roz, is in fact a sex therapist. But however, Greg wants to conceal the fact and tells Jack that Roz is a yoga instructor for elderly people.

Then what happens? Funny troubles start arising because of some actions of Greg and his parents. But the problem is, this film is not as funny as the previous one.

And then, it is revealed that Greg had lost his virginity to Isabelle, a former housekeeper. Though somehow accepting the fact, Jack, after seeing Isabelle's son, thinks that he is, in fact, the son of Greg as well.

There are several funny scenes in the movie. But though it tries to be so very funny, it doesn't succeed in doing so. It hardly makes you laugh out loud.

Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro both give excellent performances as they had in the previous film. Blythe Danner is okay in her supporting role as Dina, Pam's mother, and Teri Polo is quite good as Greg's fiance Pam. Dustin Hoffman, playing Greg's strange father, gives a remarkable performance, while Barbra Streisand plays Roz, Greg's mother, quite remarkably. Spencer and Bradley Pickren play Little Jack, nephew of Pam. They are so cute! There is also the presence of Owen Wilson who briefly reprises his role as Kevin.

Generally, the film is made well. Cinematography is good, but I think the cinematography of the first film was better. The music is passable, not too remarkable.

But however, I did enjoy this film. The problem is, it's not a memorable film. But however, it has enough jokes and funny moments to make you enjoy, but it's not as much funny as the first film, and is not sweet or charming at all.

Overall, this film is disappointing. Seeing the charming Meet the Parents, I expected the sequel to be charming and excellent as well. But Meet the Fockers is neither charming nor excellent. But however, it is indeed enjoyable at parts and quite funny at parts. Watch it if you liked the first film. Meet the Fockers is a so much disappointing film, but yet, it has got many jokes and funny moments to make you enjoy this film.

2.5 out of 5!