These Fockers Are Still Funny

Rating: 7/10 (12 January 2005)

Right now at the multiplex...if you want a dynamic biopic of an obsessive compulsive pilot, see 'The Aviator'. If you need a stunning reminder of the worst of human nature, see 'Hotel Rwanda'. Or if you want a boxing movie that's got much more going for it than just pugilism, see 'Million Dollar Baby'. Other studios have their best Oscar foot forward with those films, but Dreamworks is making the most money with their critic-proof comedy sequel, 'Meet The Fockers'. And I'm a bit surprised to say this---it's pretty funny.
DeNiro and Stiller are joined by Hoffman and Streisand in this go-round. Dusty and Babs play Stiller's hippie parents, which is too much for uptight CIA whiz DeNiro to handle. Director Jay Roach has 4 huge stars to deal with, but he juggles them all quite well. Hoffman is the treat here and he's a wonderfully zany addition. Streisand is okay too. Other cast members do basically what they did in 'Meet The Parents', which is to look good and play off the headliners. There's a baby in the picture now too---DeNiro's cute grandson. The big fight that nearly breaks up the family circle (similar plot development as in the first film) kills some of the smiles for a while, but things get back on track before it's over.
So bring some chums because this is a crowd picture. It's bound to be funnier if you're with a bunch of people. And it's amazing how many chuckles they can get from the cast saying, "Focker". So will there be a 'Meet The Children' or some kind of 3rd installment? Since this franchise and 'Shrek' are Dreamworks' cash cows, Stiller and Teri Polo better have some kids in a hurry. The taxi driver and the graduate as dueling grandfathers would be even more comic gold.