Ben Stiller's parents are really funny ole Fockers

Rating: 9/10 (27 April 2005)

We don't buy many movies, but we went out to pick up this comedic gem after viewing it in the theater. Yes, they play off the name quite a bit, and that bit is rather amusing. What truly sells this picture are the parents of Ben Stiller's characters. Dustin Hoffman is an absolute riot as the Focker patriarch, and once you see her you feel that only Barbara Striesand could have fulfilled the role as his wife. They mesh wonderfully. Meanwhile, Stiller's character undergoes the torture of having his future in-laws (and future wife) learning much more than they need to, which only amuses the audience more. While somewhat overshadowed by the elder Fockers in this sequel to Meet the Parents, Robert DeNiro is again wonderful as the up-tight former CIA agent who is to be Gaylord Focker's pappy-in-law. For a guy who demands on a "family circle of trust", he sure doesn't seem to be very trusting. A little truth serum, anyone?