enjoyable comedy

Rating: 8/10 (5 January 2007)

My View on the narrative:.
Not being a fan of the slapstick comedy drama as such I had my doubts over this film, however I'm glad to say I was surprised when sitting down to watch a completely daft unrealistic comedy but that is simply good entertainment. Ben Stiller (There's something about Mary) stars as Greg Focker, a simple nervous soul put in a vulnerable position when his girlfriend takes him to meet her parents. The simple idea spells disaster and although it's a very ambitious plot, the nature behind it is there with physical humour (watch for the garden scene) which although not laugh out loud is easy to smile to. I often felt embarrassed for the characters as this film has plenty of those 'awkward' silence moments none of us want to be involved in when meeting the parents but the fact that this conforms to every person's nightmare by the central character Stiller making a complete hash of everything is comic genius.
Robert De Niro.
Surprised to see him in such a role, I was very intrigued. Gone are the days when we would see him pull on the boxing gloves to fight powerfully in Oscar winning Raging Bull and the days when he would mutter 'are you talking to me?' Saying this, I am very happy to say that for me he made this film great. His observation tough guy image is reflecting in his dominance of his household over his children and guests. The comic humour De Niro presents is obviously a contrast to his tough guys days but the 'bitchy' hard hitting lines he mutters simply made me smile throughout and he was the star of this film for me.
Synopsis.
Meet the parents conforms to the comedy genre brilliantly and through the sensationally stereotyped Robert De Niro as the dominant intimidating father the film is a joy to watch. Although certain scenes were too ambitious for my liking but there's no question its an enjoyable watch from start to finish.