Why Him?

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Blake- N @PBSAniDom May 8 Why Him? is a fairly decent comedy from Fox that knows exactly what kind of movie it wants to be. It doesn’t try to reinvent the genre, but it delivers enough laughs and awkward moments to stay entertaining throughout. The chemistry between the main cast is what really keeps the film going. The clash of personalities creates a lot of the humor, and while some jokes are hit-or-miss, there are still plenty of genuinely funny scenes scattered throughout the movie. It also moves at a solid pace and doesn’t overstay its welcome. Some of the comedy can get a little over-the-top, but the movie embraces the chaos instead of trying to play everything too seriously. Overall, Why Him? is a fun enough watch if you’re looking for a light comedy with energetic performances and ridiculous situations. I’d rate it a 6/10—nothing amazing, but definitely watchable and entertaining in the right mood. See more Ed R @JustcallmeER Apr 27 One of the better star powered movies with great comedy for a raunchy film. See more Briana I. @Anaire Apr 21 It was a typical Hollywood comedy, not thought provoking, just raunchy, stupid humor about a rich idiot who wants to marry a controlling fathers daughter. It really didn't make any sense just senseless humor. I guess it wasn't the worse film. I like James Franco though so I think that's what kept me engaged honestly, if he wasn't in it I would have turned it off. See more Melissa M @Lisey Apr 18 One of the best parts of the movie was the Cameo appearances of Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons from Kiss. The concept for the movie was far from original. Like most modern day comedies the humor was raw & raunchy. Crude & racy. There were some heartfelt moments. Like at the end of the movie when Ned finally called Laird son. And the Christmas get together at the Fleming's house. There were also some LOL moments like the Christmas party at I'm Laird's house. If you're into raw & raunchy movies then this movie is for you. See more Randy B. @Ghost_Rabbit Feb 17 Honestly mixed reviews but I thought it was pretty great, a mix of awkwardness and comedy. Would definitely watch again. See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch Nov 26 The comedy Why Him? immediately carves out its own chaotic charm, blending raunchy humor with unexpected heart as it throws an uptight family into the unpredictable world of an eccentric tech millionaire. The film works best when it leans into its contrast-driven comedy—James Franco’s wild, unfiltered Laird opposing Bryan Cranston’s tense, traditional father figure—and that clash fuels much of the movie’s momentum. Even when the jokes wobble or the pacing drifts, there’s an undeniable energy that keeps the story entertaining from moment to moment. A major reason Why Him? works as well as it does is Franco’s performance, which is both loose and surprisingly committed. He creates a character who is obnoxious, naïve, sweet, and over-the-top all at once, and that unpredictability anchors the comedic tone. It’s also hard to ignore the bittersweet feeling of seeing a performance from an actor whose career became tangled in real-world controversy; still, Franco’s strengths as a comedic performer shine through. His chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially in tense or awkward scenes, gives the movie a comedic spark that wouldn’t exist without him. Bryan Cranston balances him beautifully, playing the straight man without feeling stiff. His reactions land some of the film’s funniest beats, and Cranston’s impeccable timing elevates moments that might otherwise fall flat. Zooey Deschanel, though used sparingly, adds an easy warmth and wit to the ensemble, and her presence helps round out the family dynamic. Together, the cast brings more depth and personality to the film than the script alone probably deserved. That leads to one of the film’s more noticeable weaknesses: the screenplay can feel uneven, veering between sharp humor and stretches that feel generic or filtered down. There are scenes where the writing lands a clever punch, followed by moments that feel like filler in a studio comedy checklist. Still, the director manages to shape these ups and downs into something cohesive, giving the movie a rhythm that makes its swings feel intentional, or at least charmingly chaotic. What ultimately defines Why Him? is its strange mix of being both memorable and forgettable. It’s the kind of comedy that feels lively and fun as you watch it—full of antics, outrageous scenarios, and comedic chemistry—but slips out of your mind just as easily. It leaves you laughing in the moment without lingering long after, a quality that makes it enjoyable but not essential. You can watch it, enjoy it, forget it, and then watch it again later and repeat the cycle. Even with those limitations, the film earns a recommendation for anyone in the mood for an energetic, slightly off-the-wall comedy. Why Him? succeeds because it doesn’t pretend to be more than what it is: a creatively chaotic, good-hearted clash-of-worlds movie with enough humor to make the ride worthwhile. If you’re looking for something light, funny, and unpretentious, it’s an easy film to throw on—and even if you forget it afterward, you’ll still have a good time while it lasts. See more Read all reviews

Why Him?

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