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Interested in seeing an extremely funny R-rated adult comedy? If you answered “Yes,†then immediately change your plans and head to the theater to see “The Heartbreak Kid.â€
It’s a nasty little treat for grown-ups who love to laugh at everything and anything.
Ben Stiller stars as a 40-year-old San Francisco businessman named Eddie Cantrow.
Eddie has never been married, and everyone in his circle of influence is giving him a hard time about his situation. As fate would have it, Eddie meets a wonderful young woman named Lila (Malin Akerman), on Valentine’s Day.
Lila and Eddie have a whirlwind romance and get married in a matter of weeks and drive to Mexico for their honeymoon. Along the way, Eddie discovers the real Lila.
Does he have buyer’s remorse, or is he just having anxiety problems after getting hitched so quickly? These questions and then some will be answered.
Time for a quick disclaimer: “The Heartbreak Kid†is not for everyone. It’s directed by the Farrelly Brothers, the geniuses who gave us the comedy classics “Me, Myself & Irene†and “Stuck On You.†There is nudity, sexual content, bad language and disgusting scenes sprinkled throughout the 115-minute gag fest. If any of that material makes you uncomfortable, skip this movie and sign up for a comprehensive eye exam. It happens to be national eye care month, and I know a great doctor in Glendale.
“The Heartbreak Kid†may be the first romantic comedy made for adults who have never been married. It surprises many people when they find out that I’m in my late 30s and still single. My wonderful and ageless friend, Quynh, is also not married, and we definitely related to the humorous scenarios that Eddie and Lila stumble in and out of.
That being said, this is still a fantastic date movie for people who don’t take themselves too seriously. But to be honest, the film doesn’t portray long-term relationships in a positive light. I would never be able to recommend “The Heartbreak Kid†to my parents, who have been married for more than 48 years. They wouldn’t get the jokes, but kudos to my folks for being such good role models for their son.
One of the biggest things that jumps off the screen is the creative use of music by the filmmakers.
I love it when music supervisors dig deep and plant acoustic gems within the scenes. While writing this review, I’m listening to the soundtrack I purchased on iTunes. The music is that good and worth the price of admission.
So what about the acting? Many so-called critics may disagree with me, but I thought the performances of the entire cast were rock solid. Real-life dad Jerry Stiller plays Eddie’s father, and the elder Stiller crushes all of his scenes with impeccable comedic timing. It was also exciting to see veteran commercial actor Roy Jenkins showcasing his talents among the Hollywood heavy hitters.
I know most of the reviews were not positive, and I think that says more about the individual reviewers than the film. It may also explain why I’m still single.
This kid loved “The Heartbreak Kid.†It’s a comedy with a heart, albeit a bit twisted and disgusting.
?MATT BELLNER is an actor and freelance writer living in Burbank.