"Little Fockers" is a second sequel that remorselessly treads old ground, and not only that, such an uninspired approach had the negative side effect of making me realise how much I hated the characters - with the exception of the part played by Dustin Hoffman, who wasn't in it for very long because he made a wise decision! Bernie Focker aside, they are all deeply unpleasant and downright mean to one another, which is only tolerable when all of the rancour actually yields laughs. In this case however, it doesn't.
Those familiar with the previous efforts who might expect some progression in this tale of family relations might well think that the old grudges would've smoothed over somewhat, now that they all know each other... That new conflicts might need to be explored, now that everybody has tested the water. Amazingly enough, they all behave in exactly the same way towards one another, nobody has grown, evolved, or changed. Go in a new direction, for pete's sake, or don't produce another script featuring characters that don't have any juice left in them.
Given the title, I thought they were going to try something different and focus on the kids, but no, for the most part, it's the same old same old.
Not only are you pointlessly having Robert De Niro essaying an autocratic character beyond any sense implied by the circumstances, but one of your main setpieces is an erection gag that totally lacks in any sort of cleverness... How undignified. It's an insult to gather together so many big names, and then just assume that the audience will happily lap up any old drivel.
Those familiar with the previous efforts who might expect some progression in this tale of family relations might well think that the old grudges would've smoothed over somewhat, now that they all know each other... That new conflicts might need to be explored, now that everybody has tested the water. Amazingly enough, they all behave in exactly the same way towards one another, nobody has grown, evolved, or changed. Go in a new direction, for pete's sake, or don't produce another script featuring characters that don't have any juice left in them.
Given the title, I thought they were going to try something different and focus on the kids, but no, for the most part, it's the same old same old.
Not only are you pointlessly having Robert De Niro essaying an autocratic character beyond any sense implied by the circumstances, but one of your main setpieces is an erection gag that totally lacks in any sort of cleverness... How undignified. It's an insult to gather together so many big names, and then just assume that the audience will happily lap up any old drivel.