Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageThe Heartbreak Kid (2007)
Director: Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly
Movie review
From Time Out London
Loosely based on a screenplay by Upper West Side bard, Neil Simon, ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ follows the lovelorn antics of arch singleton Eddie Cantrow (Ben Stiller) and is the second film released this week (alongside ‘Control’) to deal with the hazards of getting married too quickly. At the insistence of his friends and family, Eddie puts his various commitment issues on hold and chooses to embark on a whirlwind romance with Lila (Malin Akerman), a kooky blonde he meets outside a laundromat. As quick as you can say, ‘Hang on, isn’t this ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’?’, they’re waltzing arm-in-arm down the aisle and headed for a life of wedded bliss. It’s en route to their honeymoon in Mexico, however, that the nightmare begins, as Lila – via a 180° change of character – decides to slowly reveal the details her sordid past.
On something of a lull after their lacklustre 2005 effort, ‘A Perfect Catch’, the strong opening 30 minutes of ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ suggest that the Farrelly brothers are aware of the fact that their patented brand of big heart/small brain comedy is being given a twenty-first-century overhaul by Judd Apatow and co. Alas, just as you think the directors have finally grown out of the fat/puke/piss gags, there they are, rolled out by the barrel-load. The film’s best moment by far comes from Eddie’s under-the-thumb buddy Mac (Rob Corddry), who advises that the key to a healthy marriage is to ‘plaster on a smile and wait patiently for the sweet embrace of death’.
Author: David Jenkins
Time Out London Issue 1937: October 3-9 2007
User reviews of this film
-
- Sir Richard Hewston said...
- Posted on Nov 10 2007 17:22 I hate people that can't cooment probably on here. The film is rated for 15, so if your over 50 and complaining then go and watch something in blank and white..... This was a good and funny film and 100% recommend in going to watch
- Report as inappropriate
-
- michelle said...
- Posted on Nov 09 2007 11:10 typical ben stiller !! enjoyed as always laughed so much my tummy hurt, he made the film ben stiller a legend
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Katie said...
- Posted on Nov 06 2007 14:07 I liked this. A good laugh- nothing too serious- a bit silly though. Ben Stiller is Great!!!
- Report as inappropriate
-
- louis westcott said...
- Posted on Nov 02 2007 21:58 havent seen it yet but looks pretty good and funny.Migh be Going to see tomorrow with some friends and if i do hopefully it will be grwat fun
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Wolfgang Schmidt said...
- Posted on Oct 27 2007 12:56 The film is very funny but it needs much better special effects. I laughed so hard because Ben Stiller is so ugly and so funny in this silly role.
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Louise Tanser said...
- Posted on Oct 25 2007 19:33 Great Film, especially the moment when they were going at it like rabbits, I think the term that stood out, no pun intended, was 'cock me' which was simply genius!
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Tina said...
- Posted on Oct 22 2007 13:40 I saw this film with my friend and neither of us enjoyed it. I think its aimed more at teenagers who might find the gross humour funny. Having said that some of the content is not for the eyes of 15 year olds and the language in some places is terrible. There is no excuse for the c*nt word at all. Defo wouldn't recommend.
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Lee said...
- Posted on Oct 22 2007 12:29 Very very funny indded. Lots of laugh out loud moments
- Report as inappropriate
-
- caz said...
- Posted on Oct 19 2007 15:08 This film was great. me and my mate laughed so much we cryed. Especially at the end when she pulled her pants down. HE! HE!
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Mike said...
- Posted on Oct 16 2007 20:10 Rubbish, but funny rubbish. Not sure about the use of f***ing c**t in a 15, not necessary. Well worth watching on a brainless, gooney night out, I laughed out loud.
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Gurjit said...
- Posted on Oct 14 2007 17:30 Some amusing bits but on the who;e very boring and too long.
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Matt said...
- Posted on Oct 14 2007 13:41 Childish, mysoginistic rubbish
- Report as inappropriate
-
- ethan said...
- Posted on Oct 14 2007 13:19 how long does the film last
- Report as inappropriate
-
- jojo said...
- Posted on Oct 14 2007 11:43 Best and funniest bits shown in trailer. overly long but mildly amusing. Gross out bits were unnecessary but apparently were trying to liven up a dull film.
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Jane said...
- Posted on Oct 14 2007 11:04 So funny I laughed my tits off, reccommed any one to watch it.
- Report as inappropriate
Cast & crew
Director: Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly
Producer: Ted Field, Bradley Thomas
Cast: Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan, Malin Akerman, Jerry Stiller, Rob Corddry, Carlos Mencia, Scott Wilson, Danny McBride full cast
Duration: 115 mins
UK Release: Oct 5 2007
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Stephen Poliakoff discusses 'Glorious 39'
Stephen Poliakoff’s ‘Glorious 39’ is his first film for cinema since ‘Food of Love’ in 1997. Dave Calhoun met him
Is 'Paranormal Activity' the new 'Blair Witch'?
How does a film go from DIY experiment to box-office smash? 'Paranormal Activity' director Oren Peli explains
Steven Soderbergh on 'The Informant!' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'
We talk to Steven Soderbergh about his two forthcoming films: one featuring a porn star, the other a chubby Matt Damon
A gateway to all things 'New Moon'
In anticipation of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', Time Out is offering the chance to pick up a limited edition pack with three exclusive magazines and a free poster.
London Children's Film Festival
Read our exclusive reviews of films playing at the 2009 London Children’s Film Festival
The films that deserve a TV spin-off
With Roland Emmerich suggesting he'd like to make a '2012' TV spin-off, we propose some more movie-to-TV serialisations
The Coen brothers discuss 'A Serious Man'
Masters of contrary comedy, Joel and Ethan Coen have struck gold again with their latest, ‘A Serious Man’
Michael Haneke discusses 'The White Ribbon'
Dave Calhoun met with Michael Haneke in Munich to mull over the details of his Palme d'Or winner, 'The White Ribbon'
Ten inspirations behind 'Avatar'?
Time Out ponders the influences behind James Cameron's anticipated space-opera on the basis of the trailer
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations
What do you think?
Post your review now