While holiday comedies can sometimes be a hit or miss, Why Him? manages to deliver a good dose of laughter, largely thanks to its stellar cast. Despite a somewhat predictable storyline, the actors in Why Him? elevate the material, making it a worthwhile watch, especially if you are a fan of the performers involved.
The movie centers around Ned Fleming (played by the ever-reliable Bryan Cranston), his wife Barb (Megan Mullally), and their son Scotty (Griffin Gluck). They travel from their Michigan home to California to spend Christmas with their daughter Stephanie (Zoey Deutch). The main purpose of this trip is for Ned and Barb to finally meet Stephanie’s boyfriend, Laird Mayhew (James Franco), a tech millionaire in the gaming app world. Laird, to put it mildly, is an eccentric character. He tries incredibly hard to win over Ned, but the protective father simply cannot fathom what his daughter sees in this unconventional man. The clash between Laird’s over-the-top personality and Ned’s traditional values forms the comedic core of the film.
What truly makes Why Him? enjoyable is the exceptional performances from the Why Him Cast. Keegan-Michael Key steals many scenes as Gustav, Laird’s personal assistant and self-proclaimed life coach. Key’s comedic timing and delivery are consistently brilliant, providing some of the biggest laughs in the movie. Megan Mullally is reliably funny as Barb, delivering her signature brand of humor. Bryan Cranston, known for his dramatic roles, showcases his comedic talent here, bringing both humor and heartwarming moments to Ned. His on-screen chemistry with Zoey Deutch as his daughter Stephanie feels genuine and adds an emotional anchor to the comedic chaos. Even James Franco, while playing a character that might not be a huge stretch from his usual comedic persona, is genuinely engaging as Laird. He portrays Laird’s eagerness and sincere desire to connect with Stephanie’s family in a way that makes the character surprisingly likable, despite his outlandish behavior.
While the performances of the Why Him cast are strong, the film does suffer from a familiar plot. The storyline of overprotective parents meeting a daughter’s unsuitable boyfriend has been explored numerous times in cinema. For such a well-worn trope to truly shine, it needs either a fresh perspective or exceptionally sharp writing. Why Him? unfortunately, doesn’t quite deliver on either front. The film’s conclusion is predictable, and while the writing isn’t weak, it lacks memorable jokes or standout one-liners that linger after the movie ends. The talented cast manages to work effectively with the script they are given, but their efforts alone can’t completely overcome the film’s narrative shortcomings.
In conclusion, Why Him? is ultimately buoyed by the strength of its ensemble. If you are a fan of any of the actors in the Why Him cast, particularly Cranston, Franco, Mullally, Deutch, or Key, then the movie is likely worth watching for their performances alone. However, if you are seeking a truly original or groundbreaking comedy, Why Him? might be best enjoyed when it becomes available for streaming or on demand.
