Little Fockers
Director: Paul Weitz
Starring: Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Alba, Owen Wilson, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo
Details: US/96mins 15A
Ben Stiller's Greg Focker is now happily hitched to Teri Polo's Pam, with 5-year-old twins in tow. Everything seems to be hunky dory, and Greg has even been getting on better with Pam's CIA father, Jack (De Niro). But Jack is a bit fidgety; Dr. Rob has been cheating on his other daughter, and his dodgy ticker is playing up, so he redoubles his attention on Greg and continues to micromanage his family. Once more, he and Greg are at loggerheads - but will they kiss and make up by the end credits? If you're genuinely wondering "will they?", then this film is probably aimed at you.
There is something to be said for truly awful films: they often have a knock-on effect that causes directors, actors and indeed studios to question why something would turn out so badly. But mediocre films continually pass under the radar, miraculously finding an audience through their complete inoffensiveness. Little Fockers is the epitome of a star-ridden studio sequel that pleases as many people as possible - with the obvious exception of the audience.
Ben Stiller in particular is going from one extreme to the other, lately. Starring in the offbeat Greenberg after headlining another crap Night at the Museum film, he's a funny, creative guy with a default setting of 'awkward'. When the material isn't up to scratch - which has often been the case with his choices of late - it just comes off as repetitive and does the actor no favours. There are recycled gags from the first film here, which, althought funny, was by no means a classic to begin with.
Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand and Owen Wilson also inexplicably pop up, apparently due to contractual obligations, because there's no creative reason why the three should partake in this film. Jessica Alba actually does a semi-decent job in a nothing role, but it's the series regulars, Stiller and De Niro, who should be pushing the quality control. The writers of Little Fockers have absolutely nothing new to say, but they made the movie anyway, simply because the last two were popular. But it's down to the stars to ensure that quality doesn't nosedive when the producers don't - and Stiller and De Niro have failed dismally on that count.
Predictable, trite, boring, unfunny and generally yawn-inducing, Little Fockers could really have done with a swearing baby. Expect a fourth film, Meet The Little Focking Pets, at a cinema near you soon.
Review by Mike Sheridan
Your Comments
Daryl R Nelson
Dear Mike, Get a reality check. Obviously you are NOT the person who should have rated a movie like this. This is a family movie, targeted at simple people looking for a wholesome movie. Based on your critic, I would say you would more be suited for Dark Movies, Gothic in Nature. This movie is not for head bashers, and the morally unfit. It is a movie which exemplifies basic core values, with slap stick humor. I rate it a B+
Posted 22/12/2010 05:06:45
Happy Chappy
The first movie from this lot was excellent but al since are a little like re-telling a joke that seemed funny at the time.....
Posted 23/12/2010 12:48:38
Notequila
Are the reviews and the ratings completed by the one person? If so, seeing as the above scathing and completely negative review constitutes 2 stars, what kind of a movie earns only 1 star?!
Posted 23/12/2010 18:32:27
Tmarnell
Dear Mike,,, You obviously don't know what comedy is. Do you actually get paid for this??? I agree with Daryl, maybe you would be suited for dark movies. Comedy just isn't your fortait.. Also there was one part of the movie where I couldn't stop laughing. I can't wait until it comes out on DVD...I will be the first in line to buy it.
Posted 23/12/2010 18:48:20
Barry
If you liked this film then you're an idiot. Someone had to say it...
Posted 23/12/2010 22:43:39
Lord Sabre
Daryll and Tmarnell - do you only want to read reviews that you agree with? Where's the fun in that? Why don't you post that you disagree with Mike Sheridan's review and state why and leave it at that? His opinion differs to yours on a movie called Little Fockers. There are more important things in the world to worry about. Morons.
Posted 24/12/2010 11:56:54
MovieOver
Fortait?? A guy spelling forte "fortait" was funnier than this movie and worth the price of admission to this site. You gotta love the internet! Obama's FCC is going to destroy everything with Net Neutraility. Apparently there is nothing he can't make worse.
Posted 25/12/2010 21:30:17
MovieOver
And while I am on the subject, Daryl, the word is critique. I mention this not because the French don't deserve to have their language butchered, (they do, the little cowards), but rather because of the existence on almost every computer today of spellcheckers. Why not write your reveiw in Word and then cut and paste. Just a bit of friendly advice. No big deal, but it is hard to take someone seriously when they can't spell and refuse to use a spellchecker. By the way, don't yoou think "morally unfit" is a bit over-the-top? It's a movie reveiw Daryl!!!!
Posted 25/12/2010 21:41:56
bunster
Ironically, it's funny that a semi literate critic of Mike Sheridan generates more traffic than his review of the movie. Keep up the good work, Daryl!
Posted 26/12/2010 01:42:56
KickedArse
I think it's ironic a dude named "bunster" is calling Mike Sheridan "semi literate." Seen this today and thought it had a few laughs. Better than the second one anyway. Stiller was annoying though
Posted 27/12/2010 00:22:43
limone
Hey MovieOver, some amusing comments, but you too had errors in spelling, example: 'yoou' and 'reveiw'. Come on, follow your own admonishments! But 'fortait' from Tmarnell, outstanding in the realm of semi-literacy! I'd love to see how he would spell 'cafe au lait'...
Posted 27/12/2010 15:46:56
ashleyone1
i agree i watched this movie today and thought there was some funny bits but most of the film was boring it was minor funny i thought this would have been better...the only part was funy was when jessica alba took them pills and was horny and when that guy took them and had an errection :L well thats my opinion p.s as i went in a group of people we entertaind our selfs because it was that boring
Posted 27/12/2010 21:56:39
Reed
Nothing in the commercials for this movie made me interested to see it and one friend who did has said DON'T! that said, I'll remind you I haven't seen it. :)
Posted 28/12/2010 14:24:16
interval
Typical c**ty shytte from the re-hash masters in hollywood. avoid spending your money on this one.
Posted 28/12/2010 19:22:58
ksblmh
Mike Sheridan - your a total douche bag. Lighten up and enjoy the movie. It is C-O-M-E-D-Y. Where you expecting a serious dramatic film?? Jeez...people enjoy all types of films, and big blowhards like you like to snub your nose at everything...then pick some lame-o boring film and call it a candidate for an academy award. Oh well...you stink, and the movie is hilarious.
Posted 28/12/2010 19:51:08
ksblmh
For all the lamers that HAVE NOT seen this movie...why are you commenting in the "Review" for this movie? I guess mommy dropped you on your head too many times! (Take a hint "Reed")
Posted 28/12/2010 19:53:14
santa
Why are you all getting into a debate about the film? Why cant you all just put BAD,GOOD or EXCELLENT...Shame on you...idiots!!!
Posted 28/12/2010 20:04:13
Paul
I'm disgusted by this display of bullying. I haven't seen the movie yet, i plan to as i love the first 2 MTP movies, and perhaps Mike's review is a little on the Norman Bates side of reviewing, but to allow such bullying against a leading team member of the site, that cannot be allowed. To whomever disposes of comments here (I presume it's still Dara Munnis), please protect the other members of your team, the viewers can take it no problem, but don't expose the site crew to it, or before you know it, everyone will be the victim of this. That comment from ksblmh is disgraceful.
Posted 28/12/2010 23:26:46
DEAN
Mike's comments were right on. This movie should have never made it out of the can, let alone been made. It was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The movie is not suited form family viewing. It was embarrassing for families, who brought their children to see this movie. It was totally tasteless. Great cast with a lousy dialogue for a script. What a shame.
Posted 30/12/2010 04:09:06
Screenster
Stop arguing amongst yourselves and calling each other names. Stick to the film. I think the play on words in the title got old midway through the first film. It's dead now. So is what is supposed to be humor. So, for that matter, is Ben Stiller's career. If you see this film I think you'll be sorely disappointed.
Posted 30/12/2010 18:10:36
Cal
This is, unfortunately, a lame script executed by good talent. In a theater full of people, only a few laughed at the old, expected jokes. The rest of us were waiting for the comedy, that sadly, did not arrive. Not quite a waste of money, since teh actors WERE good, they just did not have great material, so the result was a yawn. I would skip this.
Posted 02/01/2011 20:58:34
labhaoise
Saw this tonight and it's only o.k. Passed an hour but won't be running out to get it on DVD
Posted 02/01/2011 23:29:33
bunster
Sadly, it is not ironic that someone using the handle KickedArse is unable to read. Keep up the good work Mr Sheridan. Don't let the unwashed masses get you down.
Posted 03/01/2011 13:21:41
sarahs
Wow! I'm sitting here on my Google T.V that I got from working with DISH and I'm completely in shock. I wanted to see if this movie was any good compared to the last 2 and i can't believe it has so many bad reviews !! I looks like I'm going to have to SKIP IT!
Posted 04/01/2011 20:04:48
Paul
LOL, Kicked Arse finally got owned by someone other than me :D Bunster, what a brilliant addition to the site you are, bravo :D
Posted 10/01/2011 13:45:57
Whatever
Mike, what is wrong with you?
Posted 16/01/2011 19:15:55
big dog
That a**hole is the reason I don't read reviews. They are usually opinionated. And in my opinion he sucks, but remember opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one.
Posted 17/01/2011 01:39:28
Blem
I must be an idiot cause I really did enjoy this film. But would not consider it family entertainment !!
Posted 25/01/2011 23:29:06
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