It's hardly funny

Or, Number 3, of the Meet the Parents saga for those still interested. The Focker family resurfaces for this unfunny second sequel to 2000's enjoyable hit. Rashid Irani writes.

Or, Number 3, of the Meet the Parents saga for those still interested. The Focker family resurfaces for this unfunny second sequel to 2000's enjoyable hit.

HT Image

The unfortunately-named nurse (Stiller) is back and so is his overbearing father-in-law (De Niro). Distressingly still, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand and Owen Wilson, also reprising their roles, are relegated to the sidelines this time around.

Meanwhile, three new characters are introduced in the guise of a housing contractor (Harvey Keitel, terrific as ever), a flirtatious sales representative (Jessica Alba) and a school headmistress (Laura Dern). Don't count on anything else new, however.

In whipping up this rehash, incoming director Weitz (About a Boy), who took over the reins from Jay Roach, cranks up the gross-out factor while recycling gags and slapstick situations from the earlier two editions.

Barf, fart and erectile-dysfunction jokes pile on as the entire clan assembles to celebrate the birthday of the five-year-old twins who will carry on the Focker line. You know what to look forward to, then: yet another instantly forgettable retread.