| Written by Jan James Stetter, on 08-10-2007 15:34 |
Media Maven: "The Heartbreak Kid"
The Cincy Chic Media Maven, Jan Stetter, reviews "The Heartbreak Kid." See why she thinks viewers may leave demanding a refund.
The Heartbreak Kid
Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan ,Malin Akerman, Carlos Mencia, Rob Corddry
“The Heartbreak Kid” is a remake of Neil Simon’s 1972 film of the same name. Playing Charles Grodin’s lead part is Ben Stiller. Sybill Shepherd’s role is played here by Michelle Monaghan. There are a few other similarities in this film that is only loosely based upon the original.
One similarity is the premise of this film. Stiller plays Eddie Cantrow, an older, eligible bachelor who can’t seem to find the “perfect woman.” He marries after a six-week whirlwind romance only to discover on his honeymoon that his bride is incompatible, annoying and nothing like he hoped. While still honeymooning, Eddie meets a single woman on vacation and through far-fetched deception, he develops a liking for this new woman — who of course in his eyes is the one he should have married.
This is where the similarities end. Uncle Tito, played by Carlos Mencia, is added as “a porn pushing friendly run of the mill go-to man” who meets all the needs of the guests at the resort where he works. Uncle Tito puts his own penis in Eddie’s wife’s hand through the bathroom door suggesting a hand job as he pretends to be Eddie delivering his wife’s breakfast. Sound funny?
There’s even more banal, vulgarity-inspired dialogue brought to us by Jerry Stiller as Eddie’s dad whose biggest concern is if Eddie is “getting any.” I refuse to quote the dialogue as it is beneath the good taste of this publication.
Breasts are displayed as commonplace. Stiller, as a victim of a sex-starving-dominatrix wife, succeeds in making his predicament look painful.
Unfortunately, the rest of the film was painful to watch as well.
Many, many people at the prescreening were laughing hysterically at the scenes. It made me wonder if this is the status quo? Is this the best Hollywood can give and still call it comedy? Has entertainment been reduced to seeing quadrupled-sized breasts floating in a hot tub?
And what was Stiller thinking when he signed on to do this movie? “I’m sure glad they only film me nude from the waist up!” Although the film was offensive to watch, I’m sure Stiller is laughing all the way to the bank.
Rating: Two Chic Stars
Jan’s Movie Rating System:
5 - Top notch entertainment
4 - Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 - The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 - If you are bored watch it, or wait for DVD
1 - Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
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