Flashback Review: Meet the Parents

“Meet the Parents” was officially released in 2000 (same year Snatch came out) earning positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, it was also a box office success. Randy Newman was nominated for an Oscar for “Best Original Song.” Ben Stiller won an MTV Award for “Best Comedic Performance.” Meet the Parents spawned two sequels, “Meet the Fockers” and “Little Fockers.” I consider the former as one of my guilty pleasures. The latter however, is the weakest of the trilogy.

Rumor has it, a fourth film in the Meet the Parents series is possibly in development. Ben Stiller & Robert De Niro could reprise their roles. As of January 2025, Dreamworks has yet to confirm if a fourth installment’s happening.

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are present. Meet the Parents is often referenced or parodied in other works.

True & False Aspects

True: Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner (Gwyneth Paltrow’s mom) & Owen Wilson all did a decent job for their respective performances.

• Fun Fact 1: Jim Carrey was originally onboard to play Greg Focker. He dropped out due to scheduling conflicts with “Me, Myself and Irene” and “The Grinch.” However, Jim contributed to Greg’s surname.
• Fun Fact 2: Maverick, Goose & Iceman from “Top Gun” are referenced. Back in 2000, Tom Cruise starred in “Mission Impossible II.” Tom’s also good friends with Ben. They filmed a skit, “Mission Improbable” during the MTV Movie Awards. Ben played a stuntman, Tom Crooze.

Jay Roach (Austin Powers Trilogy, Dinner for Schmucks) did a solid job directing. He also co-produced the film with Mr. De Niro.

Humor has a bunch of funny as heck moments that made me laugh filled with memorable dialogue listed below.

• I have no idea you can milk a cat.
• You can milk anything with nipples.
• I have nipples Greg, could you milk me.
• Are you a pothead, Focker?
• I’ll be watching you.
• He’s a cat for Christ’s sake!
• You tried to milk him. Didn’t you, you big son of a bitch!
• That cat’s been like a brother to you! (my favorite line)
• Otherwise, step off bitch!
• What’s wrong with saying bomb on an airplane?
• Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb bomb!
• Can you deal with that!?

Scenes that made me laugh the most were Greg’s speedo and accidently hitting Pam’s sister, Deebie in the face during a game of volleyball. They earn Bonus Points.

Randy Newman orchestrated the soundtrack. He also wrote the songs, “A Fool in Love” & “I’ve Got My Mojo Working.”

Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical problems.

Primary Themes are Deception, Religion, Secrecy & Trust. Courtesy of Jack Brynes’ “Circle of Trust.” For a comedy, each one’s handled carefully.

Character Development involving Greg. He goes from a liar to a truthful person.

Pam’s brother, Denny has a poster of the Beastie Boys’ album, “Hello Nasty.” They’re one of my favorite bands.

I’m giving this movie credit for introducing me to the “I’m watching you” gesture.

Random Thought: At first, Greg’s prayer scene was made up. Turns out he was reciting “Day by Day” from “Godspell.” I’m not a big musical fan, but I had to look it up. It’s funnier in hindsight.

Ben improvised most of his scenes.

After Greg successfully proposes to Pam, Jak says they have another wedding to go to. Setting up Meet the Fockers.

False: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless comedy as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Meet the Parents is ten times better than Robert De Niro’s critical and commercial flop “The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle.” If a fourth movie’s happening, I hope it’s better than Little Fockers.