Stiller shines in 'The Heartbreak Kid'
By Bruce R. Miller Journal staff writer | Posted: Saturday, October 06, 2007
Ben Stiller doesn't worry about typecasting. Thankfully.
In everything from "There's Something About Mary" to "Meet the Fockers" he plays the woebegone boyfriend/husband/schlub. Now, in "The Heartbreak Kid" he explores another side of the same character and finds even more laughs.
Unable to commit, Stiller's Eddie Cantrow feels life is passing him by -- particularly when his ex looks so happy at her wedding. Goaded by his best friend (Rob Corddry) and dad (Jerry Stiller), he jumps at the next woman he likes, marries her and heads to Cabo San Lucas for a honeymoon.
On the way, he quickly discovers she's loud and obnoxious. Worse yet? She's a former drug addict who sees sex as a competitive sport. When they get to the resort, the Mrs. decides to get a "savage" tan. Instead, she burns, putting a hold on any fun they could have together. He explores the place on his own and meets a more appealing woman (Michelle Monaghan) who has the same outlook on life. They bond, go out on a few dates and realize love has blossomed. But what about the wife?
Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, the guys behind "There's Something About Mary," "Heartbreak Kid" gives audiences plenty to dislike about Mrs. Eddie Cantrow, expertly played by Malin Akerman. She's pretty crude and a ripe source for much of the film's R rating. Repulsive? You bet.
Jerry Stiller gets his share of rude remarks, too, and a hot tub scene that may rank with the one in "About Schmidt."
Ben Stiller, meanwhile, is the good guy caught in the middle. When he bonds with Monaghan's family, they think he's the funniest, brightest guy around. When they discover his secret, he's worse than a certain Bronco-riding Heisman Trophy winner. Stiller knows how to underplay every slight, getting laughs where writers couldn't find them.
Charles Grodin played the same role in a '70s version of this story (written by Neil Simon and co-starring Cybill Shepherd), but he didn't have Stiller's slapstick manner. Here, Eddie isn't just trapped, he's caged.
Shot on location, the film has a lush, appealing look. Monaghan is a dream date and Carlos Mencia (as a hotel employee) is a dandy go-to guy.
But this "Heartbreak Kid" tries too hard to shock. Its nudity is largely unwarranted; its profanity seems gratuitous. Eliminate both and it's a great date movie. Leave 'em in, and it's a great LAST date movie.
Rated R, "The Heartbreak Kid" features profanity, nudity and adult situations.
On a scale of four stars, "The Heartbreak Kid" gets:
2 1/2 stars
In everything from "There's Something About Mary" to "Meet the Fockers" he plays the woebegone boyfriend/husband/schlub. Now, in "The Heartbreak Kid" he explores another side of the same character and finds even more laughs.
Unable to commit, Stiller's Eddie Cantrow feels life is passing him by -- particularly when his ex looks so happy at her wedding. Goaded by his best friend (Rob Corddry) and dad (Jerry Stiller), he jumps at the next woman he likes, marries her and heads to Cabo San Lucas for a honeymoon.
On the way, he quickly discovers she's loud and obnoxious. Worse yet? She's a former drug addict who sees sex as a competitive sport. When they get to the resort, the Mrs. decides to get a "savage" tan. Instead, she burns, putting a hold on any fun they could have together. He explores the place on his own and meets a more appealing woman (Michelle Monaghan) who has the same outlook on life. They bond, go out on a few dates and realize love has blossomed. But what about the wife?
Directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, the guys behind "There's Something About Mary," "Heartbreak Kid" gives audiences plenty to dislike about Mrs. Eddie Cantrow, expertly played by Malin Akerman. She's pretty crude and a ripe source for much of the film's R rating. Repulsive? You bet.
Jerry Stiller gets his share of rude remarks, too, and a hot tub scene that may rank with the one in "About Schmidt."
Ben Stiller, meanwhile, is the good guy caught in the middle. When he bonds with Monaghan's family, they think he's the funniest, brightest guy around. When they discover his secret, he's worse than a certain Bronco-riding Heisman Trophy winner. Stiller knows how to underplay every slight, getting laughs where writers couldn't find them.
Charles Grodin played the same role in a '70s version of this story (written by Neil Simon and co-starring Cybill Shepherd), but he didn't have Stiller's slapstick manner. Here, Eddie isn't just trapped, he's caged.
Shot on location, the film has a lush, appealing look. Monaghan is a dream date and Carlos Mencia (as a hotel employee) is a dandy go-to guy.
But this "Heartbreak Kid" tries too hard to shock. Its nudity is largely unwarranted; its profanity seems gratuitous. Eliminate both and it's a great date movie. Leave 'em in, and it's a great LAST date movie.
Rated R, "The Heartbreak Kid" features profanity, nudity and adult situations.
On a scale of four stars, "The Heartbreak Kid" gets:
2 1/2 stars
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
