Meet the Parents (DVD)

by Brian.

Some comedies are meant for kids, while others are obviously meant for adults. As comedies for kids gets more and more adult, it's a breath of fresh air to see a film suitable for those aged 18-80. Although Meet the Parents is never pretentious enough to throw in a septic tank gag or the random filthy joke, it also elevates itself to a level of universal appeal, treating each side in this match of wits with equal care. While it's clear that this is not Ben Stiller's best weekend, we also identify with Robert DeNiro as we witness his future son-in-law's idiotic behavior.

Ben Stiller has always been funny (even when he wasn't supposed to be (check out the 80s John Cusack flick Hot Pursuit to see what I mean)), and has virtually invented the neurotic good guy archetype. Pitting him against DeNiro, himself discovering humor through playing against the archetype he helped create (I don't care what you all say, Rocky & Bullwinkle was pretty damn funny), can be unanimously agreed upon as a stroke of genius. With this cast and this premise, it's hard to imagine how this film wouldn't be funny.

With that in mind, Jay Roach does pretty well in not screwing this film up, displaying conservatism in just letting the comedy play. His idea of what works rarely veers off the road of success (again I don't care what you all say, Mystery, Alaska wasn't that bad at all), raising him above what's come to be the average Hollywood directeur. In the DVD's special features (ranging from a few commentaries and deleted scenes to the obligatory Universal documentary), The truth about Jay Roach comes out: He knows what he's doing. To hear a director say more than "special effects that we've never seen before" or "roller coaster thrill-ride" is very refreshing, almost surprising. I hope he continues his comedic education by making a film with Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, or even Adam Sandler in the near future, for he seems to have learned a lot from the likes of Mike Meyers and Ben Stiller.

This film plays like an anxiety dream, putting Stiller's character through what is perhaps the worst possible meeting-the-in-laws encounter. The film is wondrously funny with its structure and pacing, throwing a surprise curveball in the form of Owen Wilson at a perfect moment when that second act drag usually kicks in. A solid director, a good script, and a great cast make this film a wonderful Chardonnay, suitable for drinking at any age.

back.