Judy Thorburn's Movie Reviews
The Heartbreak Kid
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- Category: Judy Thorburn
- Published on 06 November 2008
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Judy Thorburn
"The Heartbreak Kid" - A Mistake From The Get Go
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"THE HEARTBREAK KID" A MISTAKE FROM THE GET GO
You know that expression “if it isn’t broken, why fix it?” Well, it certainly applies to the latest film helmed by The Farrelly Bros., who didn’t need to mess with the original 1972 Neil Simon penned flick, that was directed by Elaine May starred Charles Grodin, a very young Cybill Shepherd and May’s daughter Jeannie Berlin (what ever became of her?). Yet, I should have guessed what was in store since Peter and Bobby Farrelly are known for their raunchy films (Something About Mary) But, this time they went too far with their grossed out humor.
I have no problem with the idea of updating the storyline and adding something new and refreshing, but that isn’t the case here. All the filmmakers have accomplished is to take what was a very funny and intelligent comedy and, there is no easier way to put it, and turned it into just another lewd, stupid, and offensive movie with no redeeming value whatsoever. That is simply inexcusable. This dreadful remake barely resembles the movie from which the title is derived.
In Simon’s script based on a short story by Bruce Jay Friedman, a Jewish bachelor played by Charles Grodin marries the stereotypical Jewish brunette and then falls for a WASPY blonde while on his honeymoon. In this retooled, re-imagined or whatever else you might want to call this excuse for a remake, Ben Stiller takes over the role as the protagonist. Instead of New York, the setting shifts to San Francisco with honeymoon locations moved from Florida to Mexico. In another (and only clever) switch the wife is the blonde model type and the girl of his dreams is the sporty, girl next door type brunette. But, the original idea about ethnic assimilation and culture clash has gone by the wayside only to be replaced with what these days seems to be the run of the mill comedy plot device - crude and tasteless sight gags and vulgar language, none of which had me laughing. Rather, I found myself groaning over and over again over scenes that were just disgusting. Neil Simon should sue the Farrelly Bros and their co-writers (it actually took a total of five writers to come up with this dreck) for bastardizing his script with inclusions of lewd stuff like queefing jokes and bestiality for nothing more than shock value.
Ben Stiller plays Eddie, a 40 year old bachelor who can’t seem to hook up with the right gal. With some edging on by his dad Doc, a foul mouthed dirty old man, (Ben’s real life pop Jerry) he goes after the pretty blonde, Lila (Cameron Diaz lookalike/soundalike, Malin Ackerman, recently seen in The Brothers Solomon, another dud) he met while trying to stop her from being mugged. As is the typical formula, we are given a montage of clips that show the couple’s six weeks of dating that culminates in Eddie finally popping the question. However, it takes their honeymoon in Cabo for the new husband to discover that the hot blonde he married is not only a ditz, she has some strange idiosyncrasies ranging from abnormal nasal action to crazy, off the wall sexual conduct that are a big turnoff. What does turn him on is a perky brunette named Miranda (Michelle Monaghan) who catches his eye while vacationing at the same resort with some of her Mississippi relatives.
The next thing you know Eddie is sneaking off to spend time with the new object of his affection while his wife is holed up in their hotel room recuperating from a horrendous sunburn.
Carlos Mencia lends (embarrassing) support in a role as a horny resort employee and Rob Corddry plays Eddie’s married best friend, who continually offers him bad advice about giving in to his spouse’s every whim. Neither work as a meaningful plot device.
Ben Stiller should reevaluate his career moves. He doesn’t need to stoop to this level. The Heartbreak Kid is insulting to both women and men and to anyone’s intelligence. For moviegoer’s, that’s the real heartbreak.