Why Him? (2016) – Movie Review

Why Him? is a 2016 comedy directed by John Hamburg, starring Bryan Cranston, James Franco, and Zoey Deutch. The film offers a humorous take on the classic “meet-the-parents” scenario, centering around a father’s disapproval of his daughter’s eccentric and outrageous boyfriend.

Plot Overview:

The story follows Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston), a traditional, protective father, who runs a struggling printing company. Ned is horrified when he meets his daughter Stephanie’s (Zoey Deutch) wealthy, tech-savvy, and unfiltered boyfriend, Laird Mayhew (James Franco). Laird is an unconventional and free-spirited Silicon Valley millionaire who lacks social boundaries but is completely devoted to Stephanie. The film revolves around Ned’s growing frustration and efforts to protect his daughter from Laird’s unconventional lifestyle, leading to a series of comedic situations as Laird tries to win over his future father-in-law.

Humor:

The humor in Why Him? is a mix of slapstick comedy, raunchy jokes, and awkward family dynamics. James Franco’s portrayal of Laird is over-the-top and filled with cringe-worthy moments as his character constantly crosses lines with his lack of filter and bizarre personality. Franco’s comedic timing and absurd antics provide many laugh-out-loud moments, especially when he clashes with Bryan Cranston’s more conservative and buttoned-up Ned.

Cranston, known for his dramatic roles in Breaking Bad, shows off his comedic chops, playing the exasperated father trying to maintain control in increasingly chaotic situations. The humor comes from Ned’s attempts to resist the growing influence of Laird, and the generational and cultural divide between the two is a constant source of comedy.

Characters:

• Laird Mayhew (James Franco): Laird is a socially oblivious, tech billionaire with a childlike enthusiasm for life. His lack of tact and constant oversharing create many of the movie’s funniest moments. Franco brings an earnestness to Laird, making him surprisingly likable despite his over-the-top antics.
• Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston): Ned is a traditionalist, trying to protect his daughter and maintain his family values in the face of Laird’s eccentricity. Cranston plays the role with a mix of exasperation and genuine concern, making him a sympathetic character even as he becomes increasingly unhinged.
• Stephanie Fleming (Zoey Deutch): Stephanie is the peacekeeper between her father and boyfriend. While her role is somewhat secondary to the conflict between Ned and Laird, Deutch brings a warmth to her character as she tries to bridge the gap between the two most important men in her life.

Themes:

The film’s primary theme revolves around the clash between old-school values and the new, unconventional ways of the tech world. It also explores the idea of accepting someone for who they are, even if they don’t fit into preconceived notions of the “right” person. At its heart, Why Him? is about family, love, and the lengths people go to for approval and understanding.

Strengths:

• Bryan Cranston and James Franco’s Chemistry: The movie’s main strength lies in the comedic chemistry between Cranston and Franco. Their opposites-attract dynamic is hilarious, with Cranston’s straight-man performance playing perfectly off Franco’s wild antics.
• Over-the-Top Comedy: If you enjoy absurd, larger-than-life humor, Why Him? delivers plenty of it, from Laird’s outrageous home (complete with a high-tech voice assistant) to the uncomfortable interactions between Laird and the Fleming family.
• Supporting Cast: Keegan-Michael Key as Laird’s personal assistant and Megan Mullally as Ned’s wife provide strong comedic support, adding to the film’s humor.

Weaknesses:

• Predictability: As a standard rom-com, the plot follows a predictable arc. The resolution is visible from a mile away, and the movie doesn’t stray far from the established formula of similar “meet-the-parents” comedies.
• Raunchy Humor: The movie leans heavily into raunchy, sometimes juvenile humor. While some may find it hilarious, others may feel that the overuse of crude jokes detracts from the charm of the characters and story.
• One-Dimensional Characters: Laird’s character, while entertaining, can come across as overly exaggerated, and some of the jokes rely on repetitive gags about his lack of boundaries.

Final Thoughts:

Why Him? is a fun, lighthearted comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you enjoy movies where mismatched characters butt heads in outrageous situations, this film will likely give you plenty of laughs. While the story is predictable and some of the humor may feel a bit over the top, the performances by Bryan Cranston and James Franco elevate the film, making it an enjoyable watch. It’s a solid option for a night of easy laughs, especially if you’re a fan of either actor.

Suggested Video for You: For fans of family-centered comedies with outlandish characters, check out Meet the Parents (2000), a classic take on the same premise that delivers hilarious family dynamics with a similar clash of personalities.