Why Him?

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2:25

Why Him?

R

Released Dec 23, 2016

1h 51m

Holiday

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

40%

Tomatometer

154 Reviews

51%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

During the holidays, loving but overprotective Ned (Bryan Cranston) travels to California to visit his daughter Stephanie (Zoey Deutch) at Stanford University. While there, he meets his biggest nightmare: her well-meaning but socially awkward boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). Even though Laird is a multimillionaire, Ned disapproves of his freewheeling attitude and unfiltered language. His panic level escalates even further when he learns that Laird plans to ask for Stephanie's hand in marriage.

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Critics Consensus

Solidly cast but overall misconceived, Why Him? offers the odd chuckle, but ultimately adds disappointingly little to its tired father-vs.-fiancé formula.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

If the film drags a little at the end, it's perhaps because the film-makers were enjoying the company of these characters as much as the audience undoubtedly will.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 1, 2017

Full Review

Jake Wilson

The Age (Australia)

Why Him? has all the flaws you'd expect, from the non-existent visual style to the shortchanging of the women in the cast.

Rated: 2.5/5

Dec 28, 2016

Full Review

Donald Clarke

Irish Times

We do not predict a lifespan to compare with that of Meet the Parents.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 27, 2016

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Why Him? Why me?

Rated: 1.5/4

Aug 17, 2021

Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

Balances raunchy humour - an awkward electronic toilet sequence rivals anything from the Adam Sandler canon - with actual heartfelt storytelling resulting in an enjoyably bawdy holiday pastime.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 3, 2021

Full Review

Ricardo Gallegos

Pólvora

It consistently makes you laugh throughout the 110 minute duration. [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 2, 2020

Full Review

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Audience Member

Overall i think it was a solid good movie. It had a good meaningful story, a lot of good lessons and a great ending. Very intriguing and had me hooked the whole time!! I will say it’s a little cliche and nothing crazy out of the new but still a great film. If you thought it wasn’t funny you need to get that stick up out of your butt and stop being such a debby downer. Super funny and a good watch!!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/22/24

Full Review

Euan S

An actually funny comedy with a good, recognisable cast. The humour isn’t too predictable which makes the film more enjoyable. It’s one to rewatch but you need to wait a long time or else it’s a bit dry.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/11/24

Full Review

Tracey S

This is a nice easy watch. It’s a bit nuts and at some times inappropriate but it is fun with some fun big name cameos. Fast paced and not too predictable.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/21/24

Full Review

Ashley M

10/10 cackling laughter all the way through. Great and intelligent jokes haha.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

Full Review

Susan D

It is actually genuinely funny, bit slow to start but the laugh out loud.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/22/24

Full Review

Rare T

Why Him? is the movie alternative of that bloke you’d derisively call “funny guy”; good thing Kiss were here to save the day.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/10/24

Full Review

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John Hamburg

Director

James Franco

Laird Mayhew

Bryan Cranston

Ned Fleming

Zoey Deutch

Stephanie Fleming

Megan Mullally

Barb Fleming

Griffin Gluck

Scotty Fleming

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Why Him?: Trailer 1

2:25

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Synopsis

During the holidays, loving but overprotective Ned (Bryan Cranston) travels to California to visit his daughter Stephanie (Zoey Deutch) at Stanford University. While there, he meets his biggest nightmare: her well-meaning but socially awkward boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). Even though Laird is a multimillionaire, Ned disapproves of his freewheeling attitude and unfiltered language. His panic level escalates even further when he learns that Laird plans to ask for Stephanie's hand in marriage.

Director: John Hamburg
Producer: Shawn Levy, Ben Stiller, Jonah Hill, Dan Levine
Screenwriter: John Hamburg, Ian Helfer
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: 21 Laps Entertainment, TSG Entertainment, Red Hour Productions
Rating: R (Strong Language|Sexual Material Throughout)
Genre: Holiday, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 23, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 14, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $60.2M
Runtime: 1h 51m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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