Sequel that compares to original

Rating: 6/10 (1 January 2005)

Meet the Fockers is a good movie that has an outstanding cast. Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, and Barbara Streisand are very funny. They intertwine subtle comedy with overt references, playing off each other. They seem to having fun, and the audience shares in the enjoyment.
However, what makes the film truly funny, and allows it to rise above the rest of the typical comic fare is the pacing in the writing and by director Jay Roach. Roach's experience with the first film, as well as the Austin Powers series, helps guide the film by keeping the story on track. Shots are not wasted.
I give it a 7 out of 10. Not as good as the first, though, in part because Owen Wilson is not a major player in this one.