Hoffman, as the laid back, openly sexual, Bernie Focker
Meet the Fockers is a Play on Words... or Word
In the original film, Meet the Parents, every time you heard the last name
'Focker' used, you couldn't help but giggle. Well, it seems that the crew
picked up on this and decided to use 'Focker' extensively this time around.
Now, I know it is easily possibly to overuse a comedic element, but somehow
the term 'Focker' rarely fell flat. The theatre giggled every time the last
name was mentioned.
Meet the Fockers even takes the last name a step farther by introducing
new names that belong in the Focker family. Such as Gaylord Focker's cousin,
Dum Focker.
Streisand and Hoffman are Wonderful Additions
I did not think I would enjoy Hoffman and Streisand in this film, I thought
it looked like the two were trying too hard in the previews and clips. Again,
I was pleasantly mistaken as Hoffman and Streisand were both hilarious and
added their own comedic element to the film.
Each actor played their role perfectly, as eccentric Focker parents who
are all about enjoying life, love, and sexuality. The Focker parents are
a perfect contrast to De Niro's character, who plays as the ex-CIA, ultra-conservative,
father who thinks he created a circle of trust [a circle that can't tell
him anything]. This factor becomes a major element of the film during the
latter half.
Meet the Fockers-- The Story
Now that Gaylord 'Gary' Focker has received permission by Jack Byrnes [De
Niro] to marry his daughter, Pam [Teri Polo], it is time for Gary's parents,
played by Streisand and Hoffman, to meet Jack and wife Dina [Blythe Danner].
The only problem is that Jack takes family very seriously [as he does all
things], and sees his son-in-law's family as an indicator of the 'legacy'
that he will leave behind. And Jack does not want a 'kink' in his chain.
Byrnes and Fockers meet
Through out the film, Gary must not only prove himself as the man for Pam,
but he must also prove that his parents will not represent the 'kink' in
the family chain. Just as the original, Meet the Fockers takes
you through various hilarious episodes that should have you laughing out
loud.
Sequel...Funny...Original
While I thought Meet the Fockers would play on the idea to make a few extra
bucks, the film actually churns out fresh comedy. If you had to have a great
sequel for Meet the Parents, Fockers hits it right on
the mark. In the original, we are placed in extreme situations with what
seems to be an ultra-conservative family that has problems letting people
in. Now, in Meet the Fockers, we encounter extreme situations again, but
now we experience them with an eccentric family that has no problem being
open with others about anything; especially sexuality.
Final Judgment: If you enjoyed Meet the Parents, you will also
enjoy Meet the Fockers. When it comes to which is better between
the two, I'd have to say that the films couldn't be more on the same level.
So go see this film, and be ready to giggle in your seat.
Score:  
For more movie info, go to the Meet the Fockers Movie Page |
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