Little Fockers

Though 'Little Fockers (2010)' is clearly the worst in its series, it certainly isn't as bad as it seems most people perceive it to be (one reviewer even signalled it as a "depressing experience" that evokes an "overpowering sense of sadness"). Sure, it's contrived and derivative. However, it's also relatively fun. It's an easy-going comedy that provides a cast of charismatic characters, a heap of misunderstandings and a handful of chuckles. There may not all that much to say about the feature, but that doesn't mean it's bad. It's enjoyable and well-paced, an amiable way to pass the time. Fans of the previous two films ought to be entertained, even if it is a step down. 6/10

Quality comedies -- if they go beyond one sequel -- never come in threes. In the case of "Little Fockers," three's a Focking mess. But we asked for it; "Meet the Fockers" ranks as the highest-grossing live-action comedy in the U.S., so regardless of quality, we were going to get whatever studios served us. And sure enough, "Little Fockers" cooks up tired modern gags, basically forgetting that the last decade of comedy (including its two predecessors) ever existed and that we could be won over by open mentions of sex (ooh!) and recycled dick drug gags. It's several years later and Greg and Pam Focker (Ben Stiller and Teri Polo) live in Chicago with their twins, Henry and Samantha. Grandpa Jack Byrnes (De Niro) has grown concerned over the Byrnes family legacy as he's been having some heart issues lately and his first son-in- law, Dr. Bob, has failed him after having an affair and getting a divorce. As such, before he and wife Dina (Blythe Danner) arrive for the twins' birthday, he tells Greg that he's ready to pass the torch to Greg, who's eager but still scared about winning Jack's full approval and becoming "The Godfocker." The film focuses on Jack and Greg again, as expected, so among other faults, the title "Little Fockers" is misleading. The kids are hardly in the picture expect for cheap jokes and they're neither cute nor talented. In a family dinner scene where Greg (with "Godfather" music in the background) commands that Henry eat his lasagna, Henry succumbs but then spews vomit all over his father. Whenever the film seems to breeze about with a bit more of a sense of humor, a tasteless joke shoots in that prompts us to do the same. Contrivances and predictable story lines litter "Fockers" and damper the occasional moments of humor. The familiarity we have with Greg and Jack helps create that humor and some clever jokes actually do exist, but the script leans on typical "misunderstanding" plot devices, most of which were ironically used most effectively in "Meet the Parents" and "Meet the Fockers." The whole idea of "if they worked once they'll work again" does not apply. The "twists" of this film are set up so conspicuously that as they unfold, it's like you know what happens because you've seen it before. And you likely have, because there was probably something similar in it from a previous "Focker" film. Outside of Jack spying on Greg, who tries to keep it a secret that he's trying to make extra cash by pushing a new erectile dysfunction drug for a gorgeous drug rep (Jessica Alba), all the side characters and plots are garbage. Owen Wilson returns as Kevin and the running joke other than him being some rich worldly hippie is that he's in love with Pam, which never amounts to anything. Alba over-ditzifies her part, which should have been played by a nameless attractive woman, proving she has no idea how to shake her type. Even Bernie and Roz Focker (Hoffman and Streisand) are out of place, squeezed in to appease the audience who expects them to show up. It's actually unfortunate, because neither of them totally overdo their part or annoy us with the fact that despite the same thing happening for the third film in a row now, no one's learned their lesson. Greg actually catches Jack spying on him on the train and after eight years of knowing each other, Greg doesn't confront him. Sure this was for the sake of keeping the tension up, but at some point you can't keep milking the same goat, or cow, or cat. Yes, Jinxie returns, also with a convenient line of dialogue from Wilson who says "I had her brought in town for you when I heard about your heart," just to set up another pet mischief joke that's completely out of place at the end of the film. Basically, we're Focking tired. "Little Fockers" is simply another example of a movie concept that's run its course and should have never gone beyond two films and only did because of the money. In a sense, there should be no surprises here. Then again, attempted jokes such as young Henry randomly asking if girls poop from their vaginas at the dinner table, could have been replaced with something more thoughtful -- and tasteful. ~Steven C

Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) is more successful, and drug rep Andi Garcia (Jessica Alba) is proving to be a beautiful temptation. Jack (Robert De Niro) is distressed after Dr Bob left Debra and he has a heart attack. Jack decides to anoint Greg as the Godfocker. However, the return of Kevin (Owen Wilson) and the beautiful Andi leads to misunderstandings, doubts, and conflict.

This movie suffers from a lack of funny gags. The cat is barely here. The kids don't add much comedy. Jessica Alba is hot, but her character should be a lot more funnier. The movie needs it. The only saving grace is the family relationships. And in this one, I like Greg a lot more. It's like a get together with old friends but the new material isn't working. There is only so much that De Niro can do with his stink eyes.

I also don't understand the title. I assumed this was more about the kids. Instead the kids add little more. The better title would be 'The Godfocker'.

Okay so you know the premise with these types of films, you've got your father in-law and your son in-law arguing while the rest of their family watch them get into zany situations. Being such a used formula, you can guess what's going to happen, this isn't a problem with comedies as their jokes are what hold them up, right?

My main problem with the film is that there were no jokes, the entire audience was silent, the only laughter I heard was from some teenage girls laughing at a scene involving a needle and someone's penis. I wouldn't have minded puns, or cheesy jokes, or embarrassing situations, but the film was just like a drama that wasn't very dramatic.

I felt like the film didn't know what it wanted to be, the title "Little Fockers" implies that the children are the main focus, but the two children are barely in the film and when they were, they were just a bit annoying. The film is definitely not a family film, it's heavily sexually based, I wouldn't advise taking your children to see this, but then adults won't find the humour very funny.

The acting wasn't bad to be perfectly honest, the line up is good and I felt that the characters were believable. As for messages? The film carries some messages about family loyalties and priorities, but doesn't every film like this carry that message?

I don't like sounding too negative, but the bottom line is that I didn't enjoy this film, simple as that. If you like these kinds of films then I would suggest renting it some time, it's not as bad as I may have made it sound, but it's still pretty bad in my opinion. I hope this review helped you, and maybe saved you some money.

For a start the director of American PIE should not have been put in charge of this so far so good franchise. Meet the Parents has just finished with this installment. Ben Stiller is back with his ongoing shenanigans with father in-law DeNiro, but all to no avail You will see many Godfather references and Jaws references to name a few. Just terrible and all in all rude, obscure and down right awful humour. If you see this because your a Jessica Alba fan, your forgiven, but if you expect to see legends Harvey Keitel, Barbara Streisand or Dustin Hoffman on screen for more than about 15 minutes, forget it. Leave your brain at the door, this stupid movie may get more laughs when vacant.