Movie Review: The Heartbreak Kid (2007)

Genre: Raunchy Comedy  

Directors: Peter Farrelly and Bobby Farrelly   
Starring: Ben Stiller, Malin Akerman, Michelle Monaghan, Jerry Stiller  
Running Time: 116 minutes  

Synopsis: In San Francisco, 40 year-old store owner Eddie (Ben Stiller) is feeling the pressure to get married from his father Doc (Jerry Stiller) and best buddy Mac (Rob Corddry). On a whim, Eddie marries environmental researcher Lila (Malin Akerman) just 6 weeks after meeting her. Once in Los Cabos, Mexico, on their honeymoon, their incompatibilities become apparent, and Eddie finds himself irresistibly attracted to Miranda (Michelle Monaghan), who is staying at the same resort with her extended family.

What Works Well: The dogged determination to avoid all cliches at all costs can only be applauded, and this no-limits romance ensures bad behaviour is the norm and always rewarded with bad outcomes. Eddie's often hilarious misadventures cascade into a disaster, Ben Stiller's sidelined-by-life persona perfect for a man who makes all the wrong decisions with the worst possible timing. A game Malin Akerman contributes plenty of ditzy energy on the receiving end of most of the laughs. 

What Does Not Work As Well: The level of vulgarity is off the charts, and a few attempted jokes push hard enough to tear the envelope. And under any normal circumstances, the seemingly classy Miranda would have never looked twice at Eddie.

Key Quote:

Lila: I'm Mrs. Edmond Cantrow.

Eddie: Edward.

Lila: Edward? You didn't tell me that!

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