For so many years and through so many films, we’ve known Robert De Niro as one of Hollywood’s best bad asses. Throw him in a mob movie and he’ll bring in millions at the box office; cast him in a cops-and-robbers flick and he’ll overshadow almost anyone else on the screen. But with “Analyze This,” De Niro proved he could also make his fans laugh with his surprising sense of humor. In “Meet the Parents,” De Niro once again leaves the “tough guy” act in the background and, together with co-star Ben Stiller, he’ll have you practically in tears by the time the closing credits roll.
Stiller plays a male nurse who, after dating his girlfriend Pam (Teri Polo) for only 10 months, is ready to ask her to marry him. But first he decides he’d like to play the gentleman by asking for Pam’s father’s blessing. That’s where the fun begins as her father Jack (De Niro) is the typical intimidating, overprotective, “nobody’s good enough for my daughter” daddy. Stiller desperately tries to win Jack’s respect but of course that’s not an easy task.
There are several hilarious scenes scattered throughout this movie as De Niro and Stiller really work well together. Much like in “There’s Something About Mary,” you begin to feel sorry for Stiller as he constantly gets dumped on throughout the movie despite his good intentions. Stiller’s job as a male nurse and his last name are just two of the many ongoing jokes that make “Meet the Parents” one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a while. A definite must-see that’s perfect for a guys’ night out or a relaxing date.
4.5 / 5 Stars
Starring: Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Owen Wilson, Jon Abrahams
Director: Jay Roach
