Why Him??

Why Him?? is a 2016 comedy film directed by John Hamburg. The movie stars Bryan Cranston as Ned Fleming, a loving but overprotective father, and James Franco as Laird Mayhew, his daughter’s eccentric and unpredictable boyfriend. The film follows Ned as he tries to navigate the unconventional relationship between his daughter Stephanie and Laird, leading to a series of hilarious and awkward encounters. Why Him?? is known for its raunchy humor and outrageous situations, making it a must-watch for fans of comedy.

Key Takeaways

• “Why Him??” is a comedy film about a father who meets his daughter’s eccentric and wealthy boyfriend.
• The main characters include Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston), Laird Mayhew (James Franco), and Stephanie Fleming (Zoey Deutch).
• The humor in the film comes from Laird’s outrageous behavior and Ned’s attempts to control the situation.
• Laird and Stephanie’s relationship is a central plot point, with Ned struggling to accept Laird as his daughter’s partner.
• James Franco’s portrayal of Laird is a standout performance in the film.
• The importance of family is a recurring theme throughout the movie.
• Supporting cast members include Megan Mullally, Keegan-Michael Key, and Griffin Gluck.
• The film was shot on location in California and Japan.
• The soundtrack features songs by artists such as KISS, The Black Keys, and Queen.
• Critics had mixed reviews of the film, with some praising the performances while others found the humor to be too crude.

The Plot of Why Him??: A Brief Overview

The plot of Why Him?? revolves around Ned Fleming, a hardworking businessman who runs a printing company. Ned’s life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that his beloved daughter Stephanie is dating Laird Mayhew, a wealthy and free-spirited video game designer. Ned is immediately skeptical of Laird’s intentions and struggles to accept him as part of the family.

As Ned spends more time with Laird, he becomes increasingly frustrated by his unconventional behavior and lack of filter. Laird’s eccentricities include swearing excessively, displaying inappropriate artwork in his home, and even installing a Japanese-style toilet that sprays water at unsuspecting users. Despite their differences, Ned realizes that Laird genuinely loves Stephanie and wants to make her happy.

The movie reaches its climax when Ned discovers that Laird plans to propose to Stephanie during a family gathering at Christmas. Ned must confront his own insecurities and learn to embrace Laird as part of the family if he wants to salvage his relationship with Stephanie.

The Main Characters of Why Him??: Who’s Who in the Cast

Why Him?? features a talented cast that brings the characters to life. Bryan Cranston portrays Ned Fleming, the overprotective father who struggles to accept his daughter’s boyfriend. James Franco plays Laird Mayhew, the eccentric and unpredictable boyfriend who is determined to win over Ned. Zoey Deutch stars as Stephanie Fleming, Ned’s daughter who finds herself caught between her father and her boyfriend.

Ned Fleming is a relatable character who represents the typical protective father. He is hardworking, responsible, and deeply cares for his family. However, his overprotectiveness often leads him to make rash decisions and overlook the happiness of his loved ones. Throughout the movie, Ned learns to let go of his control and embrace the unconventional relationship between Stephanie and Laird.

Laird Mayhew, on the other hand, is the complete opposite of Ned. He is a wealthy and successful video game designer who lives life on his own terms. Laird’s eccentricities and lack of filter make him a constant source of comedic relief in the movie. Despite his unconventional behavior, Laird genuinely loves Stephanie and wants to prove himself to her family.

The Comedy in Why Him??: What Makes it Funny?

Why Him?? is known for its raunchy humor and outrageous situations. The movie’s comedy stems from the stark contrast between Ned’s traditional values and Laird’s unconventional lifestyle. The clash between these two characters leads to a series of hilarious and awkward encounters that keep the audience laughing throughout the film.

One example of the movie’s humor is when Ned first meets Laird at his extravagant mansion. Laird’s home is filled with bizarre artwork, including a painting of himself with a unicorn. This scene perfectly captures the absurdity of Laird’s personality and sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

Another comedic moment occurs when Ned accidentally ingests drugs at a party hosted by Laird. This leads to a series of hilarious mishaps, including Ned getting into a fight with a hologram and accidentally setting fire to Laird’s prized possessions. The physical comedy in this scene adds an extra layer of humor to the movie.

The Relationship Between Laird and Stephanie: A Look at the Romance

The romantic subplot between Laird and Stephanie is a central focus of Why Him??. Despite their differences, the chemistry between James Franco and Zoey Deutch is undeniable. Their on-screen relationship is filled with genuine affection and moments of vulnerability that make their love story believable.

Throughout the movie, Laird goes to great lengths to prove himself to Stephanie and win over her family. He organizes an elaborate Christmas celebration and even hires a gospel choir to serenade Stephanie. These grand gestures demonstrate Laird’s commitment to their relationship and his desire to be accepted by Stephanie’s family.

Stephanie, on the other hand, struggles to balance her love for Laird with her loyalty to her father. She understands that Laird is not perfect, but she sees the good in him and believes in their relationship. Stephanie’s character adds depth to the movie by exploring the complexities of love and family dynamics.

The Role of Ned Fleming: James Franco’s Character

James Franco’s portrayal of Ned Fleming is one of the highlights of Why Him??. Franco brings a perfect blend of comedy and vulnerability to the character, making Ned relatable to audiences. Despite his initial skepticism towards Laird, Ned’s character undergoes significant growth throughout the movie.

Ned represents the traditional values and concerns of a father who wants the best for his daughter. However, as he spends more time with Laird, he begins to see beyond his eccentricities and realizes that Laird genuinely loves Stephanie. Franco’s performance captures Ned’s internal struggle as he learns to let go of his control and embrace his daughter’s happiness.

Franco’s comedic timing adds an extra layer of humor to the movie. His reactions to Laird’s outrageous behavior are priceless and often result in laugh-out-loud moments. Franco’s portrayal of Ned Fleming is a testament to his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring depth to comedic roles.

The Importance of Family in Why Him??

Family is a central theme in Why Him??. The movie explores the complexities of familial relationships and the challenges that arise when two very different individuals come together. Ned’s overprotectiveness stems from his love for Stephanie and his desire to protect her from potential harm. However, his actions often lead to misunderstandings and strained relationships.

As the movie progresses, Ned realizes that family is not about control or conformity, but about acceptance and support. He learns to embrace Laird as part of the family and recognizes that Stephanie’s happiness is more important than his own fears and insecurities.

The importance of family is also highlighted through Laird’s relationship with his own parents. Despite their wealth and success, Laird’s parents are emotionally distant and do not understand him. This contrast emphasizes the significance of love and acceptance within a family unit.

The Supporting Cast of Why Him??: Who Else is in the Movie?

Why Him?? features a talented supporting cast that adds depth and humor to the movie. Megan Mullally portrays Barb Fleming, Ned’s wife and Stephanie’s mother. Mullally brings her signature comedic timing to the role, delivering hilarious one-liners and adding an extra layer of humor to the movie.

Keegan-Michael Key plays Gustav, Laird’s loyal but eccentric personal assistant. Key’s comedic talent shines through in his portrayal of Gustav, providing comic relief in several scenes. Gustav’s interactions with Ned add an extra layer of humor to the movie as they navigate their cultural differences.

Cedric the Entertainer plays Lou Dunne, Ned’s best friend and business partner. Cedric brings his natural charisma to the role, providing comedic moments throughout the film. Lou serves as a sounding board for Ned, offering advice and support as he navigates his relationship with Laird.

The Filming Locations of Why Him??: Where Was it Shot?

Why Him?? was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California. The movie takes advantage of the city’s diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks to create a visually appealing setting. The extravagant mansion where Laird lives is actually a real house located in the Los Angeles area.

The filming locations in Los Angeles contribute to the movie’s overall aesthetic and help establish the contrast between Ned’s traditional lifestyle and Laird’s extravagant world. The city’s vibrant energy and diverse neighborhoods serve as a backdrop for the characters’ interactions and add depth to the movie’s setting.

The Soundtrack of Why Him??: A Review of the Music

The soundtrack of Why Him?? features a mix of popular songs that enhance the movie’s comedic tone. The music adds an extra layer of humor to certain scenes and helps create a lively atmosphere throughout the film.

One standout song from the soundtrack is “Kiss You All Over” by Exile, which plays during a romantic scene between Laird and Stephanie. The song’s cheesy lyrics and catchy melody perfectly capture the over-the-top nature of their relationship.

Another memorable song from the soundtrack is “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner, which plays during a pivotal moment in the movie. The song’s emotional lyrics and powerful vocals add depth to the scene and highlight the characters’ vulnerability.

Overall, the soundtrack of Why Him?? complements the movie’s comedic and romantic moments, enhancing the audience’s viewing experience.

The Reception of Why Him??: What Did Critics Think?

Why Him?? received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised the movie’s comedic performances and outrageous humor, others felt that it relied too heavily on crude jokes and lacked depth.

The film currently holds a 39% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 4.9/10. The critical consensus on the website states, “Why Him? reunites the creators of the hit comedy Meet the Parents, but fails to recreate that movie’s success or comedic spark.”

Despite the mixed reviews, Why Him?? was a commercial success, grossing over $118 million worldwide against a budget of $38 million. The movie’s box office success can be attributed to its talented cast and the appeal of its raunchy humor.

Why Him?? is a hilarious comedy that explores the complexities of family relationships and the challenges that arise when two very different individuals come together. The movie’s talented cast, led by Bryan Cranston and James Franco, brings the characters to life and delivers memorable performances.

The film’s raunchy humor and outrageous situations provide plenty of laughs throughout the movie. The clash between Ned’s traditional values and Laird’s unconventional lifestyle leads to a series of hilarious and awkward encounters that keep the audience entertained.

Overall, Why Him?? is a must-watch for fans of comedy who enjoy films that blend humor with heart. The movie’s relatable characters, comedic performances, and exploration of family dynamics make it an enjoyable viewing experience.

FAQs

What is the article “Why Him??” about?

The article “Why Him??” is about the reasons why people choose to be in a relationship with someone who may not seem like the obvious choice.

What are some common reasons why people choose partners who are not the obvious choice?

Some common reasons why people choose partners who are not the obvious choice include shared interests, a strong emotional connection, and a sense of adventure.

What are some potential drawbacks of choosing a partner who is not the obvious choice?

Some potential drawbacks of choosing a partner who is not the obvious choice include social stigma, disapproval from family and friends, and the possibility of the relationship not working out due to fundamental differences.

How can someone determine if their partner is the right choice for them?

Determining if a partner is the right choice for someone involves considering factors such as shared values, communication styles, and long-term goals. It is important to have open and honest conversations with one’s partner to ensure that both parties are on the same page.

What should someone do if they are unsure about their relationship with their partner?

If someone is unsure about their relationship with their partner, they should take the time to reflect on their feelings and consider seeking the advice of a trusted friend or therapist. It may also be helpful to have a conversation with one’s partner about any concerns or doubts.