Trailers can be deceptive, and in the case of “Why Him?”, the promotional material arguably did more harm than good. Instead of enticing viewers, the trailer felt like a barrage of tired gags, particularly the infamous rock-throwing scene, which evoked unwanted comparisons to outdated comedy tropes. This initial impression unfortunately overshadowed the potential of “Why Him?”, a film that, despite its flaws, boasts a talented cast. While not a comedic masterpiece, the movie attempts to explore the awkward clash between a young woman’s eccentric tech billionaire boyfriend and her traditional family, a dynamic that hinges on the performances of its ensemble cast.
Initially, “Why Him?” sets up a promising premise: a college student introduces her unconventional boyfriend to her parents over the holidays. The trailer suggested a fierce rivalry between James Franco’s outlandish character and Bryan Cranston’s protective father. However, the film veers away from this simplistic conflict, aiming for something more nuanced, though not always successfully. One of the criticisms leveled against “Why Him?” is its apparent late-stage decision to incorporate a Christmas setting, seemingly to capitalize on the holiday movie audience. Furthermore, the film’s reliance on profanity feels excessive and often detracts from the humor, highlighting a common pitfall in modern comedies where crude language is mistaken for comedic innovation.
As the narrative progresses, “Why Him?” grapples with an identity crisis. Around the midpoint, many characters exhibit self-centered or unlikeable traits, muddying the audience’s investment in their outcomes. This character development issue leads to a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion where emotional resonance is notably absent. The predictable resolutions become less appealing as the characters become less sympathetic.
Beyond the central duo, the supporting cast of “Why Him?” feels underutilized. Characters drift in and out of the narrative, often reappearing solely to facilitate a fleeting joke before fading back into the background. This episodic approach weakens the overall narrative cohesion. However, within this uneven landscape, James Franco delivers a commendable performance. He manages to embody his character’s contradictory nature, oscillating between unlikable arrogance and unexpected charm. It’s a role that aligns with Franco’s recent comedic trajectory, and he executes it with his characteristic blend of intensity and comedic timing.
Bryan Cranston, known for his comedic brilliance in roles like Dr. Tim Whatley in “Seinfeld” and the father in “Malcolm in the Middle,” is somewhat miscast in “Why Him?”. His comedic talents, which lean towards subtle and nuanced humor, are largely untapped here. Instead, he is relegated to the role of the straight-laced foil, burdened with a bizarre “crotch chop” bowling move that feels out of sync with his established comedic persona. The film fails to leverage Cranston’s sophisticated comedic abilities, opting for more generic comedic tropes.
Ultimately, “Why Him?” surpasses the low expectations set by its trailer, but it’s far from a resounding success. While it’s difficult to wholeheartedly recommend, the film possesses a certain watchability, and it’s understandable why some viewers might find it enjoyable. Beneath the surface, there are hints of a more compelling comedy struggling to emerge. “Why Him?” ultimately feels like a product of studio interference and editing compromises. Clocking in at nearly two hours, the movie feels unnecessarily long. Viewers might find themselves imagining a quicker, more streamlined ending, which, ironically, could be more satisfying than the film’s actual conclusion. Despite the efforts of the cast, “Why Him?” remains a flawed comedy that doesn’t quite live up to the potential of its premise or the talent involved.
