What was the baby's sign for a change of diapers?

Rating: 6/10 (8 February 2005)

To think that "Meet the Fockers" went to become one of America's highest grossing films that came out during the Christmas holidays, is a tribute to the people that had the foresight and business acumen to think they had a sure hit with this sequel to "Meet the Parents" The director, Jay Roach, capitalizes on his prior work. In this one, by juxtaposing two different cultures, he must have thought sparks would fly all over the place. While the picture is mildly pleasant, it is still not as funny as it should have been with all the talented people he had on board.
In a way, it's a sad state of affairs for some of the most best regarded actors of a generation ago to see themselves in this picture. We never thought we'd see the days when a Dustin Hoffman, or a Robert DeNiro would be reduced to playing these cardboard characters, or be in such a comedy that doesn't give us an indication of what excellent work they ever did in their careers.
While in "Meet the Parents" there was a certain chemistry between Mr. DeNiro and Mr. Stiller, there's nothing of the sort in this one. Barbra Streisand is reduced to play a stereotype of a liberal sex therapist. While it might have looked good in the written page, it doesn't translate as anything funny on the screen. Blythe Danner doesn't have anything to do.
In retrospect, this picture, like many others, are sold to the public by the well made trailers we saw before the actual film came out. They were much better and funnier. If there are any reasons for never attempting any sequel of an original comedy, "Meet the Fockers" would be the model to study.