Rated R for strong sexual content, crude humor and language.
Directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly (Dumb & Dumber, Kingpin, There’s Something About Mary…)
Starring Ben Stiller, Malin Akerman, Jerry Stiller, Michelle Monaghan…
The Heartbreak Kid is just more of the same from the Farrelly brothers.
No, I’m not saying that I don’t like the Farrelly brothers. I liked Dumb & Dumber, Shallow Hal was alright, and I actually enjoyed Fever Pitch. But this film probably better compares to Something About Mary, Stuck on You, or Me, Myself & Irene. The film was gross, depressing and might make you chuckle a couple times when you’re not wincing.
The films largest problem (of many) was the fact that the film makers tried to make it so preposterously frustrating that the film lacked any realism or believability. The characters weren’t even tangible and their arguments were so ludicrous I doubt you’d find this kind of banter even on Springer. And please don’t try to defend it by calling it slapstick. Ironically, Dumb & Dumber was far more intelligent than this film could ever dream of being.
This movie hurt Ben Stiller’s career. Does Ben want to be the labeled the Gen X Woody Allen? Does he want the stigma of “lonely loser” for every film? Films like this are helping him cement that mold.
But I guess I should give the Farrelly brothers props for finally realizing their material is truly Rated R. Their films always pushed the limit and this one doesn’t hold back. I finally walked out of the film during the second graphic sex scene (later to find out that they alluded to the lead character having sex with a horse during the credits of the film if you choose to stick it out for that).
Sorry Farrelly brothers, but I’m afraid that you’ll suffer another “Heartbreak” at the box office, eh?
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
No way. This film crossed the line more than a deaf defensive lineman.
Side Note:
As said above, we recommend you skip this film. But on the occasion that your teen actually has already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
