Cast
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Ben Stiller
as Greg Focker
Robert De Niro
as Jack Byrnes
Teri Polo
as Pam Byrnes
Blythe Danner
as Dina Byrnes
Nicole DeHuff
as Debbie Byrnes
Jon Abrahams
as Denny Byrnes
Owen Wilson
as Kevin Rawley
James Rebhorn
as Dr. Larry Banks
Tom McCarthy
as Dr. Bob Banks
Phyllis George
as Linda Banks
Kali Rocha
as Flight Attendant
Bernie Sheredy
as Norm the Interrogator
Judah Friedlander
as Pharmacy Clerk
Peter Bartlett
as Animal Shelter Worker
John Elsen
as Chicago Airport Security
Crew
Director
- Jay Roach
Producer
- Robert De Niro
- Jane Rosenthal
- Jay Roach
- Nancy Tenenbaum
Reviews
Wuchak
**_A serious beau becomes a master of disaster when he meets his girlfriend's parents_**
A male nurse from Chicago (Ben Stiller) wants to pop the question to his girlfriend (Teri Polo), but first has to visit Long Island and meet the parents (Robert De Niro & Blythe Danner).
“Meet the Parents” (2001) is a good romantic comedy with Stiller effective as the every-man in a challenging mundane situation that most guys can relate to. The first half involves droll humor as Greg awkwardly meets his potential parents-in-law and suspects that the father doesn’t like him. Yet this is just a set-up for the wild mishaps of the second half as Murphy’s Law goes into effect.
Teri looks great while Nicole DeHuff is on hand as the sister. Elsewhere, an iconic actor of the period shows up in the second half, but I don’t want to give it away as it’s a welcome surprise (it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out seeing as how this is a Ben Stiller comedy).
The sequel “Meet the Fockers” came out four years later and it’s lousy by comparison with distasteful non-humor consisting mostly of juvenile jokes about sex from senior citizens. It was an embarrassment to the iconic actors.
The movie runs 1 hour, 48 minutes, and was shot mostly on Long Island at Old Brookville and nearby Oyster Bay.
GRADE: B+
May 29, 2023
CinemaSerf
The time has come for "Greg" (Ben Stiller) to meet the parents of his girlfriend "Pam" (Teri Polo). He wants to marry her, indeed he even buys a ring - but when the airline makes him check in his bag, then lose the thing and a baby throws up over his shirt he might be forgiven for thinking he'd be better of staying at home. Nope, he perseveres and meets her folks - "Jack" (Robert De Niro) and "Dina" (Blythe Danner) and now his troubles really do begin. Rather than just the usual charming family repartee, "Greg" finds himself under a microscope of penetrative inquisition from his would-be in-law, and it gradually emerges that he has maybe held back on a few truths with "Pam" and he does (or doesn't) like cats. He's also a male nurse called "Focker" - further facts which don't really helps his cause, either. As the weekend progresses, "Greg" lurches from the frying pan to the fire, trashes a sentimental urn, get's stitched up by her brother "Denny" (Jon Abrahams) and I think if it'd been me, I'd have abandoned ship however much I might have loved the woman. Danner always manages to impose herself gently in comedy, her facial expressions and demeanour adding an approving or disapproving look that speaks volumes, and here she works well with De Niro whose controlling behaviour is really the source of much of the humour here. It's not laugh out loud funny, and there's far too much dialogue, but when De Niro is at his most controllingly mischievous, then this is worth a watch. Who doesn't like a bit of Peter, Paul & Mary too?
Apr 17, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Meet the Parents represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Jay Roach brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2000, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Meet the Parents took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $55.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 152 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 70 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2000, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Meet the Parents shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Three Summers, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Meet the Parents offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Like Water for Chocolate and The Proposal explore similar territory, Meet the Parents stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 6, 2000
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Budget: $55,000,000
- Revenue: $330,444,045
Where to Watch
