It's not bad, but it's hardly brilliant either

Rating: 5/10 (5 June 2005)

This redundant and superfluous sequel to 2000's Meet the Parents is an enjoyable, if not overly brilliant, piece of fluff. Of course, cinema could have done without this production, but since it's been made and I enjoyed the first one, I figured I'd enjoy this one too. However, simply put; this film isn't as good as the original because it's gone way over the top with it's quirky characters and instead of being something of a muddled commentary on in-laws like the first one; this is more of a film where a load of incompatible characters have been thrown into a mixing pot together. This isn't all bad however, as it does make for some nice entertainment and it also allows room for some nice jokes. While the film doesn't offer anything in the way of intelligent humour that you'll remember for a while after the final credits, it does supply the audience with nice set piece gags that are very funny at the time of watching. My personal favourite of the set-pieces involves Ben Stiller, a baby and...Scarface.
Robert De Niro has been getting lots of stick lately due to the fact that, with the exception of his relatively small role in Jackie Brown, he hasn't been in a really good film since 1993's A Bronx Tale and This Boy's Life. However, his performances haven't diminished and even though the material he has to work with here isn't exactly of the highest standard, he still makes the best of the role and is easily the highlight of the movie. Returning from the original is Ben Stiller, who does just fine as the eager-to-please son-in-law, and the rather incognito Teri Polo and Blythe Danner, who don't really get to do much. Joining them is the duo of Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streishand, who play Stiller's parents; the 'amusingly' titled "Fockers". The material for them is weak, but they both look like they're having fun, and a few of their gags are funny. On the whole; this movie will be remembered more for it's name than it's hilarious gags, but if you find yourself with nothing better to do than watch this movie...well, it's better than nothing.