DVD Reviews

Little Fockers – Blu-ray Review

By June L. Apr 7, 2011, 14:41 GMT

Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) has finally begun to earn the respect of his ex-CIA father-in-law Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) but one important test still lies ahead: will Greg prove that he has what it takes to be the family’s next “Godfocker” ... or will the circle of trust be broken for good? Returning co-stars Owen Wilson Blythe Danner Teri Polo Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand are joined by newcomers ...more

Greg (Ben Stiller) and Pam Focker (Terri Polo) have been married for several years and their twins are about to celebrate their fifth birthday.  This calls for great celebration and of course a visit from the grandparents. 

Jack Byrnes has a hidden agenda in his visit, he is checking to see that Greg will be able to take over as family head, if something should happen to him. 

As always over-the-top but irrepressibly funny, the Focker saga continues.  There are moments that will have audiences howling with laughter, and others that will put them cringing in their seats.  It is all familiar territory, things that viewers will relate to and laugh with understanding. 

Who doesn’t have an in-law like Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) who scares the heck out of them, but whose approval they desperately want.  Jack has had a heart attack, but has told no one but Greg, as he sees Greg as the heir to his place, head of the family. 

Overly sensitive because of his other son-in-law’s infidelity, Jack mistakenly thinks a sexy drug rep Andy Garcia (Jessica Alba) is having an affair with Greg, and sets out to catch him. 

Of course Pam’s old boyfriend (Owen Wilson) shows up and apparently still loves and wants Pam, and Jack in his disappointment with Greg is pushing her towards him.  He is still filthy rich and has lots of important connections, he is even close friends with the director of the Early Human School, the posh kindergarten that the Fockers want for their twins. 

And who hasn’t suffered the horrors of choosing the right school for their children?  The less than stellar “meet the parents” day and child interviews are wild, but still have that ring of truth that makes them so funny.  Other in-laws Bernie (Dustin Hoffman) and Roz (Barbara Streisand) have short but great bits in the film. 

Little Fockers Blu-ray and DVD combo comes in a two disc set that also has a downloadable digital copy available with a password to use online.  Blu-ray specials include the BD Live and pocket Blu app and the featurettes “Bob and Ben” and “Ben and Owen.” 

Additional features include an alternate opening and ending, deleted scenes, a featurette :The Making of a Godfocker”  The film has a running time of 98 minutes, but towards the end seems to be much longer. 

The party for the kids goes on forever, and the “fight” between Jack and Greg is seemingly endless.  It is funny, but the point is made, there is no reason to beat the audience over the head with the animosity that we all know will turn into a bonding moment.  It is good fun in spite of flaws and belongs in the Focker collections of fans.

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