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1 1/2 Stars

This dirty, mean spirited sequel to the monstrously successful ‘Fockers’ franchise should put an end to the series. Ben Stiller is once again joined by regulars Robert DeNiro, Owen Wilson and Terri Pollo, none of whom are actually required to put on a performance. The tired screenplay credited to two writers has Stiller jumping through hoops in the hopes that he will be appointed head of the family. Of course Jack Byrnes (DeNiro) still has his eyes on Gaylord Focker (Stiller) even after years of wedded bliss to his daughter and a growing grandchild. It’s a ridiculous premise that was played out by the end of 2004′s cartoon-ish entry ‘Meet the Fockers’.

The frantic film continually strains for a laugh that rarely comes. The whole enterprise is a business decision, once the second film became Universal’s highest grossing comedy of all time, a third pic became arbitrary. Audiences will probably flock to this large numbers because it’s being advertised as a family comedy. The PG-13 rating is pushed to its limits and unless parents want to discuss the effects of a Viagra overdose on the way out, I’d advise the kiddies see ‘Tangled’ instead. The cinematic definition of ‘phoning it in’.

Director: Paul Weitz
Stars: Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro, Owen Wilson