Why Him? harks back to the era of Hollywood films that examined the father daughter bond and traditional ideals of family values and marriage. Being 2016 the core of the film is still family values but the son-in-law to be is totally unsuitable self made tech millionaire and it is the father in law who is made to look like the insecure party in this comic tale.
The timing of the release of Why Him? is interesting the day after most of us have had enough of our families. James Franco is on fine form as the self made tech millionaire, Laird Mayhew, in love with Stephanie Fleming (Zoey Deutch), the daughter of Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston) who runs a printing business. A dinosaur in a modern world. This provides for most of the jokes some of which are laugh out loud funny. However, explore a little more and themes of live, belonging and acceptance are in abundance. There is definitely social commentary that runs through the film, a bit like a website pop up that says even though we are living in a superficial world what we all really want is to be loved and accepted. Is that true, is that what we are searching for – acceptance? Discuss. It is less like Father of the Bride and more reminiscent of the recent hit Bridesmaid. This is a comic, feel good movie with depth. The film works because of the outstanding performances by Bryan Cranston and Megan Mullally, who play husband and wife in this film, their pairing is comic genius.
This is definitely the tonic to a family overloaded Christmas or something to watch with friends as you regale them with stories of rubbish presents and burnt Christmas puddings.
Why Him? is released on Boxing Day in cinemas across the UK.
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