Meet The Parents

Rating: 9/10 (5 December 2010)

This review includes a spoiler. Meet the Parents is about a man, Gaylord Focker, who goes by the name of Greg (Ben Stiller). He is living with his girlfriend, Pam Byrnes (Teri Polo), who he going to ask to marry him. He is not able to ask her yet because Pam invites him to parent's house to attend her sister's, Debbie (Nicole Dehuff), wedding. Pam's father, Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), is a retired CIA member who does not trust anyone and he still acts as if he is in the CIA. Jack and Greg do not get off on the right foot because Jack does not act like he likes Greg. So, the movie continues with Greg trying really hard to get Jack's approval while Jack does not make it very easy. Jack thinks that Greg is someone else because Jack could not find evidence of Greg taking a test to become a doctor. Jack tries to convince Pam that he has been lying to her. Greg tries to be helpful, but he ends up almost ruining Debbie's wedding so he gets ready to leave and his luggage arrives. The guy asks if he is Gaylord Focker, and he agrees. Jack realizes that Greg's true name is Gaylord and he made a mistake. So Jack goes to the airport to convince Greg to come back. So, Greg returns and asks Pam to marry him and she says yes. The movie ends with Jack stating that they have to meet Greg's parents. The theme of this movie is that people are always what they seem on the surface. Jack thought that Greg was a liar because Jack thought his first name was Greg except Gaylord is his first name. So, Jack was completely wrong which does not happen very often. Throughout the movie the viewer really roots for Greg because he is a good guy who is trying to impress his girlfriend's parents. He becomes the underdog of the film who can't catch a break. Greg has good intentions that usually end badly in this movie. The angle technique that is used in this movie is great. The viewers really feel like that could be Greg's character. Everyone has been there when they are trying to impress someone and it turns into a disaster. Another great technique that was used was the lighting. It was very natural and the viewers will feel like they are really in the movie. If you like the Family Stone, then you will love Meet the Parents. Robert De Niro does a great job as a bored retired CIA member, and Ben Stiller plays Greg's role very well. Enjoy this film as it unravels that things are not always what they seem.