The Heartbreak Kid

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 5, 2007

Ben Stiller reunites with the Farrelly brothers for the first time since There’s Something About Mary, on their newest endeavor The Heartbreak Kid. This is the long awaited biopic of Shawn “TBK” Michaels. Just kidding, seriously who watches wrestling past the age of twelve anymore? This is however a remake of the 1972 film of the same name, which was nominated for two Oscars. While this film has its laughs, it is obvious that Stiller is losing some some of his magic and not even the Farrelly brothers can fix it.

Eddie Cantrow (Ben Stiller) is a middle aged bachelor who can’t quite commit. Just when life seems to be passing him by, he meets a gorgeous girl named Lila (Malin Akerman), who seems to be a good fit. So within only a couple short months of knowing each other, Eddie proposes and the two become newlyweds. While honeymooning Eddie can tell that the two just don’t mix well. Lila has some skeletons in her closet and Eddie can’t handle her outrageous behavior. Though just a few days after getting married, Eddie meets his real dream girl Miranda (Michelle Monaghan).

There are definitely some laughs in this movie, it’s the Farrelly brothers for crying out loud. I expected laughs, and the film delivered. Another delivery that the film made though, was Ben Stiller in his unspoken typecast. Why doesn’t anyone care that Stiller only plays one role. Stiller, without a doubt, has the ‘I’m the uncomfortable guy who can’t land the girl and gets into outrageous sitiuations in the process of landing her’ market cornered. After this many tries, I’d hope that Ben wins an Academy Award for the next flick Little Focker. Can’t you see it? Ben Stiller playing an uncomfortable dad who ends up in outrageous situations while trying to prove himself as a parent.

Back to what this film did right. It made me laugh, and had the feel of Farrelly films of old. The film also had two great actresses in Akerman and Monaghan. The women of the film is what kept it interesting. Akerman kept the audience laughing at Stiller, and Monaghan brought some heart to the film. Jerry Stiller and Rob Coddry provided some fantastic comic relief. Coddry is one of those guys who will go a long way if people keep noticing his talents.

In the end, the film was solid but never really showed anything to separate itself from the rest of the films that are just like it. Other Farrelly films could be considered groundbreaking because of their originality and over the top humor balanced with heartfelt characters and stories. If you are just looking for good laughs and solid entertainment, then The Heartbreak Kid is for you. If you are looking for a Stiller/Farrelly experience to rival There’s Something About Mary, then I’m afraid this film will give you heartbreak.

The Upside: Another Farrelly brothers film that is sure to make you laugh.

The Downside: Another Ben Stiller film that features him playing the same guy he played in every other movie.

On the Side: Jason Bateman and Amy Poehler were originally cast as the leads, when James Bobin was signed on to direct the film, replacing Barry Sonnenfeld.

Read more articles by Brian C. Gibson