Despite landing on many year-end lists, and not in a good way, “Why Him?” was a movie I almost skipped entirely. Buried deep in my watchlist, practically in a “films to avoid” category, its terrible reviews were a major deterrent. Yet, something about it intrigued me. Perhaps it was my appreciation for James Franco; I tend to enjoy his performances regardless of the film’s reception. So, I decided to take a chance and watch “Why Him?”.
To my surprise, I found myself laughing, a lot. “Why Him?” is, at its core, a silly, goofy movie, and honestly, that’s perfectly fine. If you’re looking for deep cinematic artistry, this isn’t it. But if you want to switch off, leave your cynicism at the door, and just enjoy some laughs, then “Why Him?” delivers. James Franco is on top comedic form, delivering a truly hysterical performance. Bryan Cranston showcases his impeccable comedic timing, and Megan Mullally is, as always, a scene-stealing delight. Keegan-Michael Key adds to the bonkers nature of the film, and even Kaley Cuoco makes an appearance as a hilariously over-the-top version of Siri.
The movie throws in everything but the kitchen sink – references to Silicon Valley culture, a moose dipped in urine (yes, you read that right), and even a cameo by half of the legendary band KISS, in full iconic makeup and costume. It’s been a while since a comedy movie paid homage to a band as iconic as KISS, and while “Role Models” attempted something similar, it felt somewhat forced. In “Why Him?”, the craziness, including the KISS tribute, just fits seamlessly into the overall absurdity and humor.
“Why Him?” is a holiday comedy that, against the odds, is genuinely funny. It’s the kind of cornball humor that doesn’t try to be anything it’s not, and in doing so, becomes surprisingly enjoyable. So, if you’re looking for a lighthearted, laugh-out-loud comedy, don’t let the initial bad press deter you. Give “Why Him?” a chance; you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.
