Christmas comedies often aim for heartwarming cheer, but Film Why Him? takes a different, much more cringe-inducing route. Directed by John Hamburg, known for “Along Came Polly,” this movie throws us headfirst into the chaotic clash between a traditional, analog father and his daughter’s outrageously eccentric tech billionaire boyfriend during the holiday season. Think “Meet the Parents” meets the modern Silicon Valley, amplified with the raunchy humor of Judd Apatow productions. While it might not reach the comedic heights of either of those influences, Why Him? delivers enough laughs and awkward family moments to be a tolerably entertaining holiday flick.
The Premise of “Why Him?”
The story kicks off with Laird Mayhew, played with infectious, goofy energy by James Franco, a Silicon Valley tech mogul who is introduced via a hilariously inappropriate video call with his girlfriend, Stephanie Fleming (Zoey Deutch). Stephanie, a bright and charming college student, is the daughter of Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston), a struggling owner of a traditional paper company in Michigan.
As Christmas approaches, Ned, his wife Barb (Megan Mullally), and their son Scotty (Griffin Gluck) decide to visit Stephanie in California. Unbeknownst to Ned, Stephanie’s “mysterious beau” is Laird, a man whose wealth is only surpassed by his lack of social filters. The culture clash is immediate and intense. Ned, a man grounded in traditional values and facing business anxieties, is utterly unprepared for Laird’s opulent, profanity-laden, and bizarre world. From the moment Ned steps into Laird’s ultra-modern, art-filled mansion, it’s clear this holiday visit is destined for disaster.
Characters and Performances
James Franco as Laird: Lovably Dumb?
Franco truly shines as Laird. He embodies the character’s over-the-top persona with commitment, portraying him as simultaneously incredibly dumb and genuinely good-hearted. Laird’s attempts to impress Ned are spectacularly misguided, ranging from elaborate, inappropriate art installations to comically aggressive displays of affection for Stephanie. Franco’s performance walks a fine line, making Laird ridiculous yet somehow endearing, even if his extreme cluelessness sometimes strains believability.
Bryan Cranston as Ned: The Relatable Dad?
Bryan Cranston, in a role reminiscent of Robert De Niro’s in “Meet the Parents,” plays Ned as the quintessential stressed-out dad. He’s the analog man in a digital age, worried about his business and deeply uncomfortable with the direction his daughter’s life is taking. Cranston’s performance grounds the film, providing a relatable anchor amidst the absurdity. His reactions to Laird’s outrageous behavior are consistently funny, and his portrayal of parental anxieties resonates even as the situations escalate to comedic extremes.
Humor and Style
Cringe and Bromance Blend
Film Why Him? thrives on cringe comedy. Much of the humor derives from the excruciating awkwardness of Ned and Laird’s interactions. The film delights in pushing boundaries, showcasing uncomfortable situations and dialogue that will make audiences squirm and laugh simultaneously. Beneath the cringe, however, there’s a bromance trying to blossom. Laird, despite his flaws, genuinely wants Ned’s approval, and this one-sided desire fuels many of the film’s comedic set pieces.
Gags and Set Pieces
The movie is packed with memorable gags, although their effectiveness varies. Highlights include Laird’s bizarre modern art, such as a taxidermied moose encased in urine, and his over-the-top displays of wealth and affection. Keegan-Michael Key as Gustav, Laird’s German manservant, provides consistent laughs with his deadpan delivery and surprise self-defense attacks. The humor leans heavily on situational comedy, often revolving around tech culture, generational differences, and good old-fashioned toilet humor. While some jokes miss the mark, the sheer volume of gags ensures there are enough hits to keep the audience entertained.
What Works and What Doesn’t
Franco’s Performance and Lightness
One of the film’s biggest strengths is James Franco’s committed performance. He fully embraces the ridiculousness of Laird, making him the most memorable and entertaining aspect of film Why Him?. The movie also manages to maintain a lighthearted tone throughout, never delving into truly dark or mean-spirited territory. This keeps the film enjoyable for those seeking a frivolous holiday distraction.
Pacing and Humor Consistency
However, Why Him? suffers from pacing issues. Many scenes feel stretched out longer than necessary, and the comedic payoff doesn’t always justify the extended setup. The humor, while often funny, can be inconsistent. Some gags land perfectly, while others fall flat or become repetitive. The film could have benefited from tighter editing and a more focused comedic direction.
Conclusion
Despite its flaws, film Why Him? offers a decent dose of holiday humor for those who appreciate cringe comedy and aren’t seeking highbrow entertainment. James Franco’s performance is a definite highlight, and the culture clash premise provides ample opportunities for awkward and funny moments. It’s not a Christmas classic, and it certainly won’t win any awards for subtlety, but Why Him? is a perfectly acceptable, and sometimes hilarious, way to spend a holiday movie night. If you’re looking for a dumb, gross, and occasionally very funny comedy to watch during the festive season, Why Him? could be the film for you.
Grade: C+
