Rated PG-13 for mature sexual humor throughout, language and some drug content.
Starring Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, Owen Wilson, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand and Jessica Alba
Directed by Paul Weitz (Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant, and American Pie)
The third installment of the Meet the Parents franchise is a lot less funny and a lot more raunchy.
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?
I was surprised how raunchy this movie was…until I realized who the director was. Paul Weitz has directed several films but none more well known (and controversial) than American Pie. You may think it’s funny…well if you think adultery is funny. Because although the film is called Little Fockers (leading me to think this one is all about Greg and Pam’s children), this plot is all about the relationships between the four married couples and Kevin (Owen Wilson). Pam’s sister and Dr. Bob have recently split up, because Dr. Bob was cheating on her. Mr. Focker is in Spain dancing with a young seniorita while Mrs. Focker is flirting with Kevin. Mr. and Mrs. Bryne and Greg and Pam are dealing with their own issues. None of which are humorous.
Besides making jokes about one of the top ten unfunny things, there’s nothing new with any of the characters. None of them have grown or developed…they are relying on the same jokes that were funny over ten years ago in Meet the Parents.
Those jokes were funny and I’ll admit there were a few funny moments, but if you have seen the trailer, you have see them all already so just “Skip It.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
I’d let my kids skip this one too. With dirtier jokes and more compromising situations, this is definitely not a family film.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: Sadly the major story lines deal with infidelity. And while that may be a conversation most children/students would not engage in, we can talk about personal integrity. So begin by asking them, “How would you define integrity?”
In the dictionary, the word integrity means 1) an unimpaired condition, i.e., soundness, wholeness 2) firm adherence to a code of moral values, i.e., incorruptible, honor, 3) the quality or state of being complete or undivided, i.e., completeness. Synonyms of integrity are honesty and unity.
A great definition of integrity is being the same person in all situations.
Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: Ask, “Thinking just of the first definition above, what happens to something that does not have integrity?”
We frequently think of a “person of integrity” as being honest and trustworthy, but integrity is more than that. Look at the second definition and describe the difference between being trustworthy and being incorruptible.
Follow up by asking, “What does the Bible have to say about integrity?”
Let’s look at some passages of scripture to see what the Bible says about integrity:
Integrity means treating people fairly and honestly. (Proverbs 16:11-13)
Integrity is more valuable than riches. (Proverbs 28:6)
The Lord hates lies and lack of integrity. (Zechariah 8:16-17)
It may be difficult to maintain your integrity. (Job 2:3)
Your character can be corrupted by bad company. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Your integrity should set an example. (I Timothy 4:12)
Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?A: One of the best ways to live out those verses is by identifying a person of integrity in your life. Who would that be? What sets this person apart from other people of a similar age and position?
If people who know you were asked for five words that describe you, would integrity be one of them?
What can you do to improve your integrity?
