AllMovie

This excellent comedy features outstanding performances plus a well-constructed and hilarious script. Meet the Parents is also the directorial proving ground of Jay Roach, who finally earns his stripes beyond the realm of movie vehicles for his pal, comic actor Mike Myers. After previously attempting only sporadic work in semi-humorous projects such as Midnight Run (1988), intense, dramatic character actor Robert De Niro follows up the box-office hit Analyze This (1999) by successfully lampooning himself again, conclusively adding the comedy genre to his catalogue. Lead actor Ben Stiller is accomplished by now in his romantically challenged nerd role, executing his part with expected alacrity. Ranging through a wide field of comic styles, Meet the Parents may be less lacerating or outrageous than it could be, but it's also that rarest of Hollywood star vehicles -- a sure-fire hit appealing to a broad spectrum of audience members. It's bound to spawn a sequel or two.