I've seen all the movies by the Farrelly Brothers, but this one had slipped by until now. They have a very wild sense of humor and (for the most part) have all been worth recommending to someone. THE HEARTBREAK KID was released in 2007, coming and going in a flash. Some of the reviews were savage, but it's clearly not among the worst movies. In fact, I actually enjoy it and if you're up for the antics here, then you might too. [Admittedly, I have not seen the original film of the same name from 1972 so I have no basis for comparison there.]
The story begins in San Francisco and involves Ben Stiller coming to a decisive point in his life, looking at his next steps. He meets the lovely Malin Ackerman and they soon begin a relationship. Within six weeks she finds out that she'll have to transfer to Rotterdam, Germany for work. The only way she can stay in the country is if she is married. Ben is encouraged by his father (real life dad Jerry Stiller) and his buddy (always funny Rob Corddry) to 'live life' and is asked 'why not?'. Cue the wedding bells. Cue also the consequences of such an impulsive decision, Farrelly-style. It is immediately clear that he knows very little about his newlywed bride and things soon begin to escalate as they embark upon their honeymoon.
This girl doesn't just have little annoying tics (there are some), she has huge problems (there are many). She just didn't seem to think about mentioning any of them to him. They arrive at their luxurious resort in Cabo and he has already become scared and exasperated on night one. When he meets a perky southern family, he gets swept up in the fun that they're having (as opposed to the dread he now feels when he's with his bride). Once he meets smiley Michelle Monaghan, the plot thickens. Why won't he just tell her he's married?? Movies like this don't make it that easy.
I ended up getting to see THE HEARTBREAK KID two and a half times in the last few days and it grew on me. There is some "been there, done that" feeling, but lesser comedies have that in much larger doses. If you think of this as a semi-sequel to THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY then you won't feel as bothered (Ben Stiller the put-upon protagonist? No way!) Malin Ackerman even has some distinct Cameron Diaz qualities about her, though this character becomes very selfish and near-irredeemable (nearly) at the movie's mid-point. Her character is actually trying to do better in life and just needs alot of help, though it's too bad that her violent temper drives away a man that may have been able to assist her.
When you realize that the Farrellys haven't done an R-rated comedy since ME, MYSELF & IRENE in 2000, you realize that their dirty comedy muscles just needed flexing again. The sex scenes use some very descriptive, hilarious language and there is at least one visual late in the film that is a female equivalent of "franks and beans". A fun movie overall and definitely worth a rental. Probably one that flew under your radar too.
Also of note is Danny McBride. If you've been seeing some of the more popular summer comedies lately (TROPIC THUNDER, PINEAPPLE EXPRESS), you may have discovered Danny, who brings along his mustache for a supporting appearance here. Farrelly trivia: The presence of Polly Holliday as one of Michelle Monaghan's family members. You know... Flo. Like the tv show.
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