Why him? I tell you why, because I can't think of any other actor who can transform this this cinematic excrement into a gourmet dish. There is a matteroffactness in his character that lives somewhere between Rupert Pumpkin and Howard Hughes, the thing is that the life James Franco gives to his character is absolutely real. The film could have turned into a horror thriller, because Franco forces you, in the most entertaining way, to feel slightly off-balance. That alone keeps you glued to it in spite of the moronic lack of ideas. Bryan Cranston, of course, is sheer perfection. Reacting hilariously to the absurdity with infinite generosity - A trait of great actors - I wish them a Billy Wilder next time or a Preston Sturges or...you know. Fearless originals just like Franco and Cranston.
259 Reviews
It might just be me, but I liked it.
aciessi26 December 2016
This was on my year-end list as well. It was buried somewhere down the list.. like it was nearly hanging off of it. Actually, it was in a separate list of "Films I may or may not see in December if reviews are really bad". Why Him? actually did get awful reviews. But for some reason, I wanted to take a chance on it. I felt something was there. For one, I am a Franco-file, and I love him in anything he's in. So I went and saw it.
I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed a lot. It's really just a goofy movie, and that's alright by me. Don't put too much thought going in. If your afraid of not laughing, even a little bit, leave that nonsense at the door, and enjoy the show. James Franco brings his A-game here, and is once again totally hysterical. Bryan Cranston has great comedic timing. Megan Mullally is a scene stealer. Kegan-Michael Key is bonkers. It's got Kaley Cuoco as an awesome version of Siri, the best of Silicon Valley, Adam Devine, a moose dipped in urine that explodes. Oh, and 1/2 of the band KISS in full costume and makeup. It's been a while since a comedy movie made a tribute to one of the greatest bands of the 70's. Role Models was the last one. You could say that it's shamelessly borrowing from Role Models, but in Role Models it felt forced and unnecessary. In Why Him? It fits in with the craziness.
This is a holiday, cornball comedy that doesn't suck.. as they tend to.
I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed a lot. It's really just a goofy movie, and that's alright by me. Don't put too much thought going in. If your afraid of not laughing, even a little bit, leave that nonsense at the door, and enjoy the show. James Franco brings his A-game here, and is once again totally hysterical. Bryan Cranston has great comedic timing. Megan Mullally is a scene stealer. Kegan-Michael Key is bonkers. It's got Kaley Cuoco as an awesome version of Siri, the best of Silicon Valley, Adam Devine, a moose dipped in urine that explodes. Oh, and 1/2 of the band KISS in full costume and makeup. It's been a while since a comedy movie made a tribute to one of the greatest bands of the 70's. Role Models was the last one. You could say that it's shamelessly borrowing from Role Models, but in Role Models it felt forced and unnecessary. In Why Him? It fits in with the craziness.
This is a holiday, cornball comedy that doesn't suck.. as they tend to.
Funny
robyn_hopkins28 July 2019
Pleasantly surprised!
fimorales30 March 2017
It might be prudent never to judge a book by its cover, but often enough, the author would give you a good idea what you're about to invest your time in. Bryan Cranston and James Franco doing a comedy together was enough to give me the necessary shove to press "Play" on this one.
I like comedies but finding a good one lately has been a challenge. Been disappointed many times with trailers that seem promising only to find out that those scenes are the best the entire movie has to offer. There have also recently been a bunch of comedies relying on the director's or the leads' reputation to carry the film to box office and critical success only to crash and burn upon release. This one is a rare exception. Congratulations to the team for getting it just right! James' Laird was a delicate balance. Annoying yet sweet, sometimes offensive but without being repulsive. Bryan's Ned fits the stereotype yet has been restrained enough to remain relatable. Even the cameo from Gene and Paul, though expected, came out fresh.
If you're looking for a fun movie, give this one a try. Be forewarned though of the liberal use of profanities.
I like comedies but finding a good one lately has been a challenge. Been disappointed many times with trailers that seem promising only to find out that those scenes are the best the entire movie has to offer. There have also recently been a bunch of comedies relying on the director's or the leads' reputation to carry the film to box office and critical success only to crash and burn upon release. This one is a rare exception. Congratulations to the team for getting it just right! James' Laird was a delicate balance. Annoying yet sweet, sometimes offensive but without being repulsive. Bryan's Ned fits the stereotype yet has been restrained enough to remain relatable. Even the cameo from Gene and Paul, though expected, came out fresh.
If you're looking for a fun movie, give this one a try. Be forewarned though of the liberal use of profanities.
Underrated
zhyarTheChosen21 September 2019
Some people have a sense of humor, some don't
deloudelouvain6 April 2017
I see there are a lot of bad reviews again. Like most of the time with comedies. But it's normal that this genre of movies gets the most opposite reviews because not all people have the same kind of sense of humor. And a lot of people have no sense of humor at all so for them it's just pointless to watch a comedy but they still do. I on the other hand had some good laughs with Why Him? There's a lot of cursing but that's the whole point of the movie. James Franco as Laird Mayhew and Bryan Cranston as Ned Fleming just want the best for Zoey Deutch as Stephanie Fleming. Her boyfriend and father are quite opposites in life and so you get some funny scenes where they clashes. The story is what it is when it's a comedy. It's never far fetched but that's not the point, a comedy just has to be funny. And this one definitely is funny, despise what others may think.
Why him? Should be called 'Why Bother?'
brankovranjkovic27 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Brian Cranston is the traditional father who struggles to bond with his daughter's boyfriend, James Franco is the boyfriend, a Tech millionaire who wants to win him over in order to marry his daughter. There's frequent forced humour, with particularly lots of bathroom humour. This film drops the 'F' bomb frequently (too frequently for me anyway!).
The audience had a few laughs, I think I remember laughing 2 or 3 times. The trailer showcased the very few 'funny' scenes and makes this look like a much funnier film than it really is.
If your idea of funny is frequent swearing then (unfortunately) this film is definitely for you. Overuse of the 'F' word soon wears thin, makes you realise it was used instead of clever humour. Please don't waste your time and money supporting this nonsense or they will make 'Why Him2'.
In summary, poor plot which has been done better previously, boring, gross and vulgar. I wouldn't recommend to anyone, whether 15 years old or older.
Would not watch again.
The audience had a few laughs, I think I remember laughing 2 or 3 times. The trailer showcased the very few 'funny' scenes and makes this look like a much funnier film than it really is.
If your idea of funny is frequent swearing then (unfortunately) this film is definitely for you. Overuse of the 'F' word soon wears thin, makes you realise it was used instead of clever humour. Please don't waste your time and money supporting this nonsense or they will make 'Why Him2'.
In summary, poor plot which has been done better previously, boring, gross and vulgar. I wouldn't recommend to anyone, whether 15 years old or older.
Would not watch again.
Dry humour
loversofmovies19 July 2020
Only in a comedy could the weak link be an Oscar nominated actor...
nathannicolarobertscouk21 December 2016
Possibly more so than any other genre, a solid ensemble cast (as well as the script, of course) is the absolute key to unlocking a decent comedy and unfortunately, the very central piece lets the whole film down: Bryan Cranston is not a leading comic and it very obviously shows. As one of this year's Best Actor nominees, Cranston fails to come across naturally in this lead role, with every joke and riff feeling more like a stiff and laboured effort than an organic energy, as the rest of his cast demonstrate, who are all more typically associated with the genre - and it really rather shows. His lead co-star, Franco, does a far more convincing job and manages to translate what should be an irritating and obnoxious character into a far more likable and funny character than expected. Megan Mullally is also worth a mention; the Parks and Rec star has a rather small role but manages to make quite the impression as Barb, even when the script doesn't quite serve her well enough, including a prolonged scene in which she is determined to have sex with her husband - this same plot was employed with absolutely hilarious results in Parks and Rec (in which she played the outrageous Tammy Two) but it falls completely flat here through no fault of her own. It's another example of a committed performance ploughing against all the odds. Talking of ploughing, the absolute star of this film is the youngest cast member - Griffin Gluck is continually hilarious and awarded the script's biggest laughs, but it is his conviction and joyous performance that secures these laughs, making him the most memorable element of the film, even with the lowest-billing of the main five stars.
FULL REVIEW - http://perksofbeingnath.blogspot.com/2016/12/why-him-2016-review.html
FULL REVIEW - http://perksofbeingnath.blogspot.com/2016/12/why-him-2016-review.html
Why this?
suzannecarroll1 October 2017
Sometimes, when watching a movie billed as a comedy, and finding myself over an hour into it without cracking a smile, I ask myself, "Why? Why did I waste these precious moments of my life on such crap?" This was my exact sentiment during this film. Contrived, sophomoric and actually quite boring. If you want to experience those feelings, by all means, watch this two hour exercise in profanity- laced verbal exchanges between unlikable, one-dimensional characters. I gave it two stars because I normally like Bryan Cranston and Megan Mullally, and they give it their best despite having minimal material to work with.
Need a great laugh from start to finish?
urbanfarmerdenice15 October 2019
I find this movie hilarious! I have watched Why Him? more times than I can count. When I am in a down mood this is a "Go-To"! Yes, it's entirely dumb the stuff that goes on, but accepting the movie as not an Oscar winner is just fine; not ALL movies have to be just that.
There are many poor reviews of this film, I suggest watching it for yourself. If you are a movie buff and enjoy stupid laughter this is the film for you. Maybe I have a twisted form of thought process, but I laugh from start to finish.
Funny kind of dumb
Faristuta6 July 2019
It's a bit silly, I don't think I learned anything new or had to think about any controversial thing the movie could've possible raised, however it gave some enormous laughs and that's good enough for me. It's hard to make me laugh !
Old Script, New Title
Harun_Karali21 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Stephanie introduces her boyfriend Laird to her family, namely her overprotective father Ned(Cranston). Who is dismayed at his daughter as he tries to absorb the reality that Laird is a part of his life now. Stephanie is so blinded by love that she seems to overlook her boyfriends obnoxious behavior. There are some original jokes, Yet, this feels like an R-rated version of "Meet the Parents". Which, in my opinion is a better film in every way. Don't take my word for it, see it for yourself and decide.
If you're going to remake a movie at least have the dignity to give it the same name. What's peculiar is, it's made by the same people that created "Meet the Parents". Which leads me to wonder, What were the writers thinking? More importantly, What was the studio that approved this film thinking? I'm usually open minded when it comes to comedies, even if it's raunchy. However that doesn't mean that I will overlook using recycled material and calling it a new brand.
If you're going to remake a movie at least have the dignity to give it the same name. What's peculiar is, it's made by the same people that created "Meet the Parents". Which leads me to wonder, What were the writers thinking? More importantly, What was the studio that approved this film thinking? I'm usually open minded when it comes to comedies, even if it's raunchy. However that doesn't mean that I will overlook using recycled material and calling it a new brand.
I wish I had never seen this?
meraklikisi17 December 2022
I still mourn for the time I spent watching this thing it can't be classified as a movie it would be an insult to cinema I strongly advise you to not watch it. If only there was a tool to erase my m memory so I could wipe this movie completely from my mind it is ground zero it's terrible it's a waste of time.
There is a weird guy who is ultra rich and loves a girl and to marry her he needs her father's consent and for this reason invites her family to his castle like luxury House where he also works with his employees and this guy can't speak without f word. Everyone puts up with him just because his richness cover his unacceptable weird psychopath behaviors.
There is a weird guy who is ultra rich and loves a girl and to marry her he needs her father's consent and for this reason invites her family to his castle like luxury House where he also works with his employees and this guy can't speak without f word. Everyone puts up with him just because his richness cover his unacceptable weird psychopath behaviors.
Crude humor all over the place
fifigod30 June 2023
The humor in this movie is extremely crude. It makes you say what the hell but in a funny way. Some scenes were really funny because of how it makes almost no sense. It combines funny scenes with happy scenes that help the story move forward. Sadly nothing is perfect at it is clearly visible here. I felt like it does not have a big enough story progression at it tries to be funny in so many unnecessary ways. It cannot go a scene without mentioning sex. It is funny at first but it does straight up get annoying after a while. A good way to make a comedy movie is to not repeat the same idea of a joke multiple times. Why Him completely fails at this. In conclusion: a good comedy movie for a way to spend free time but it is not the best and it has some flaws which bring it down quite a bit. Overall score 6/10.
It's not actually a bad movie.
bjwhalley-3804229 September 2019
The movie is a good family comedy type.
I feel it's one of those movies made for teen to watch with their parents and not have the awkward feeling that movies like Superbad give.
It's a more family friendly comedy that does have a couple moments that push abit but nothing too vulgar.
If you are looking for a fun family themed comedy then this is your movie. If you are looking for a down and dirty not afraid to go there type of comedy then this isnt your movie.
If you are looking for a fun family themed comedy then this is your movie. If you are looking for a down and dirty not afraid to go there type of comedy then this isnt your movie.
If you want a good laugh i would recommend this movie, however it has many sexual references.
romanowskibree9 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
James Franco is one of my favorite actors and does a very good job in this movie. I would recommend being eighteen or older to watch this movie. Teenagers could connect with this movie because there is a lot of teen slang and culture in the movie. James Franco usually plays the frat boy or wild teen in movies. However, he plays an irresponsible adult in this movie. I like how he tries to impress his girlfriends parents by buying them things he thinks they would like. He goes over board and things get interesting. He has no filter and will say almost anything to anyone. When he talks to her parents he says some inappropriate comments and her parents are not impressed. He talks to her parents like he is talking to his friends and this causes her dad to dislike him. James has to earn there respect back and get them to approve of him.
I can't remember the last time I cringed so often
LnBK24 December 2016
I usually (and quite easily) hand out 8, 9 or 10 stars to a film. In fact, the majority of movies I watch receive good-to-excellent scores from me. This one however, does not.
The jokes often feel exaggerated and forced, and are embarrassingly childish with far too much profanity. I can't remember the last time I cringed so often. Sure, there was the occasional joke which received a giggle from just about everyone, but the majority of the humour was replied to with silence and head-shaking. It seriously felt like it was a movie thrown together quickly to make a decent enough trailer to lure an audience. So, don't fall for it. You've been warned.
3.4 / 10
The jokes often feel exaggerated and forced, and are embarrassingly childish with far too much profanity. I can't remember the last time I cringed so often. Sure, there was the occasional joke which received a giggle from just about everyone, but the majority of the humour was replied to with silence and head-shaking. It seriously felt like it was a movie thrown together quickly to make a decent enough trailer to lure an audience. So, don't fall for it. You've been warned.
3.4 / 10
Funny once you get into it
asterladybug3 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Okay so this movie takes some time to get into. At first I cringed a lot at the humour (and the completely unnecessary moment of showing the pubes), but as half an hour passed I started to laugh more and more. The rest of the audience was kind of the same, at first they were silent and some awkward giggles, but over time the movie became hilarious. Definitely not the best Comedy I have seen, but it's a good one. I liked it at least, and if you watch it at home with friends (and possibly under the influence), this movie would be awesome.
Over the top but with laughs
Floated22 September 2017
Why Him? is another comedy about a over caring father and boyfriend relationship in which has been done before. Although this film has less of a filter and is rated R (since the Meet the Parents films were PG-13 and less tame), Why Him? does stand out for that reason. In most cases where the plot surrounds withe the daughters boyfriend and father meeting and bonding, this one is different since the boyfriend (James Franco) is a rich billionaire.
This film's comedy isn't for everyone, and is filled with a lot of cursing, sexual jokes and over the top antics, which has clearly offended many people. Though once you get to the humor and comedy, there are many funny jokes in this film. Though they could have used without much of the toilet humor. Franco's character is typical over the top 'no filter' character and we see this quickly as the film starts. He carries the film along with Bryan Cranston and is a reason why Why Him? is an entertaining watch.
Although predictable, this film is more so for the nature of the comedic elements and the journey we see the characters go through. It could have been better but it was better than expected (considering it received a lot of lousy reviews from critics). As a rewatch 08/10/18' Why Him? remains a funny and insightful comedy which is better and more natural on a second watch.
This film's comedy isn't for everyone, and is filled with a lot of cursing, sexual jokes and over the top antics, which has clearly offended many people. Though once you get to the humor and comedy, there are many funny jokes in this film. Though they could have used without much of the toilet humor. Franco's character is typical over the top 'no filter' character and we see this quickly as the film starts. He carries the film along with Bryan Cranston and is a reason why Why Him? is an entertaining watch.
Although predictable, this film is more so for the nature of the comedic elements and the journey we see the characters go through. It could have been better but it was better than expected (considering it received a lot of lousy reviews from critics). As a rewatch 08/10/18' Why Him? remains a funny and insightful comedy which is better and more natural on a second watch.
Epic fail...
cherchezan22 March 2017
Honestly this movie scares me, the fact that it has a score higher than 6 makes me afraid that this is the future of comedies, targeted for the new generation. I was hoping to see a Superbad style movie but this one is just full of absurdity, completely unrealistic, everything feels forced and absurd, the dialogue is just ridiculous... I don't understand how these good actors accepted to star in this massive garbage of a movie... huge disappointment...
Overall great movie
dreeves811514 March 2017
Honestly, everyone who reviewed this movie must be very sad individuals. This movie obviously wasn't meant to be the best picture of the year, but it really had its own way of speaking to its viewers. The comedy wasn't what I thought it would be, but the overall emotion I felt from this movie was impeccable. It made me happy, it made me cringe, it made me laugh. This movie deserves no negative reviews, simply because it is what it is and if you don't appreciate that then don't bother leaving your negative opinion.
Why not?
kosmasp10 June 2017
This is a very weird comedy, that goes all out and has the acting talent to pull it off (or spray it on or do all kinds of kinky stuff, probably more than you can imagine). So I think I established (if you didn't know already), that this is not for the faint-hearted or rather the easily offended. Yes Bryan Cranston has won quite a few accolades and awards, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy a silly comedy from time to time. And that's what he's doing here.
There's also a very recognizable (AI) voice, not from Scarlett Johannson in this case, but from Kaley Cuoco. She has an integral part in this whole mess. A lovely and very funny mess, if you can lower yourself into that level, you'll understand and enjoy this. If not, you probably should stay as far away from this as possible.
There's also a very recognizable (AI) voice, not from Scarlett Johannson in this case, but from Kaley Cuoco. She has an integral part in this whole mess. A lovely and very funny mess, if you can lower yourself into that level, you'll understand and enjoy this. If not, you probably should stay as far away from this as possible.
It tries to be funny, but does not succeed
srdjan_veljkovic16 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The main problem of this movie is that it tries too be funny way too much, all the time. It only succeeds a few times, but even if it were more, it would not be much better.
The premise and the story had potential,the casting is OK, they even have the Kiss playing Christmas carols near the end. But it just doesn't work.
It seems that actors felt this is too much, too. Most of the time they look like they feel this will not pass, but, hey, it's their job,so... Since they are not buying it, why should we?
Of course, the "vote Hilary" ending doesn't help, not just because it is not in line with the characters or the story. But it's too late but that time.
It's not the worst bad comedy, has good production and a few moments, but there are much, much better ones too see.
The premise and the story had potential,the casting is OK, they even have the Kiss playing Christmas carols near the end. But it just doesn't work.
It seems that actors felt this is too much, too. Most of the time they look like they feel this will not pass, but, hey, it's their job,so... Since they are not buying it, why should we?
Of course, the "vote Hilary" ending doesn't help, not just because it is not in line with the characters or the story. But it's too late but that time.
It's not the worst bad comedy, has good production and a few moments, but there are much, much better ones too see.
Actually okay saved by a good ending
phd_travel7 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
If you ignore the over the top vulgarities this comedy is actually okay. The best part is the ending which is actually quite refreshing in that the young girl turns out to be sensible. The story is kind of familiar father disapproves of future son in law. Especially when he is convincing his daughter to drop out of Stanford.
The cast is good - anything with Bryan Cranston can't be that bad. James Franco is over the top - could have toned it down a bit. Zoey Deutsch looks prettier than in her previous movies - she is quite sweet here.
Almost all big budget comedies are vulgar nowadays and this one is no exception at least the ending makes up for it.
The cast is good - anything with Bryan Cranston can't be that bad. James Franco is over the top - could have toned it down a bit. Zoey Deutsch looks prettier than in her previous movies - she is quite sweet here.
Almost all big budget comedies are vulgar nowadays and this one is no exception at least the ending makes up for it.
See also
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