Why Him?

Why Him? is a 2016 comedy film directed by John Hamburg. The movie follows the story of Ned Fleming, a loving but overprotective father, who is forced to spend the holidays with his daughter and her eccentric billionaire boyfriend, Laird Mayhew. The film stars Bryan Cranston as Ned Fleming and James Franco as Laird Mayhew, and features a talented ensemble cast including Zoey Deutch, Megan Mullally, and Keegan-Michael Key. Why Him? is known for its raunchy humor and hilarious performances, making it a popular choice for fans of comedy.

Key Takeaways

• “Why Him?” is a comedy about a father who meets his daughter’s eccentric and wealthy boyfriend.
• The main characters are Ned, the father, Laird, the boyfriend, and Stephanie, the daughter.
• The humor in the movie is often crude and relies heavily on physical comedy and awkward situations.
• James Franco and Bryan Cranston have great chemistry and play off each other well.
• Technology plays a big role in the movie, with Laird’s high-tech home and business ventures being a major plot point.

The Plot of Why Him?

The plot of Why Him? revolves around Ned Fleming, a hardworking businessman who runs a printing company in Michigan. Ned’s life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that his beloved daughter Stephanie is dating Laird Mayhew, a brash and eccentric billionaire from Silicon Valley. Ned is immediately skeptical of Laird and his unconventional lifestyle, which includes a tattooed body, foul language, and an extravagant mansion filled with bizarre artwork.

When Ned and his family visit Laird’s mansion for the holidays, tensions rise as Ned tries to protect his daughter from what he perceives as Laird’s unsuitability. As the clash between the two men escalates, Ned realizes that he must find a way to accept Laird and his relationship with Stephanie if he wants to maintain a healthy relationship with his daughter.

The Main Characters in Why Him?

Why Him? features a talented cast of actors who bring their characters to life with humor and charm. Bryan Cranston portrays Ned Fleming, the overprotective father who struggles to accept his daughter’s relationship with Laird. Cranston’s performance perfectly captures Ned’s mix of love, concern, and frustration, making him a relatable and endearing character.

James Franco shines as Laird Mayhew, the eccentric and free-spirited billionaire. Franco’s comedic timing and commitment to the role make Laird both hilarious and surprisingly likable. Zoey Deutch plays Stephanie Fleming, Ned’s daughter, who finds herself caught between her father’s disapproval and her love for Laird. Deutch brings warmth and vulnerability to the character, making Stephanie a sympathetic figure.

Megan Mullally portrays Barb Fleming, Ned’s wife and Stephanie’s mother. Mullally’s comedic talent adds depth and humor to the character, as she tries to mediate between her husband and daughter. Keegan-Michael Key steals the show as Gustav, Laird’s loyal but eccentric personal assistant. Key’s comedic skills and chemistry with Franco make Gustav a memorable and entertaining character.

The Humor in Why Him?

Why Him? is known for its raunchy humor and outrageous comedic moments. The film combines physical comedy, witty dialogue, and awkward situations to create a laugh-out-loud experience for the audience. The humor in Why Him? is often crass and irreverent, pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in mainstream comedy.

One example of the film’s humor is the recurring gag involving Laird’s artwork. Laird has a collection of bizarre and provocative artwork displayed throughout his mansion, including a painting of himself engaged in a sexual act with a moose. The juxtaposition of Ned’s conservative values with Laird’s unconventional lifestyle creates many humorous moments as Ned tries to navigate his way through this unfamiliar world.

Another source of humor in Why Him? is the clash between Ned and Laird’s personalities. Ned is a traditional businessman who values hard work and family, while Laird is a free-spirited entrepreneur who embraces technology and unconventional ideas. The contrast between their lifestyles leads to many comedic misunderstandings and conflicts, providing plenty of laughs for the audience.

The Chemistry Between James Franco and Bryan Cranston

One of the highlights of Why Him? is the on-screen chemistry between James Franco and Bryan Cranston. The two actors have a natural rapport that adds depth and authenticity to their characters’ relationship. Franco’s energetic and unpredictable performance complements Cranston’s more reserved and grounded portrayal, creating a dynamic and entertaining dynamic on screen.

Franco’s portrayal of Laird Mayhew is a perfect blend of charm, humor, and vulnerability. He brings a sense of warmth and likability to the character, despite his outrageous behavior. Cranston, on the other hand, brings his signature blend of comedy and drama to the role of Ned Fleming. His comedic timing and ability to convey emotion make Ned a relatable and sympathetic character.

The chemistry between Franco and Cranston is evident in their scenes together, as they play off each other’s energy and deliver hilarious performances. Whether they are engaging in a heated argument or sharing a heartfelt moment, their chemistry shines through, making their scenes some of the most memorable in the film.

The Role of Technology in Why Him?

Technology plays a significant role in Why Him?, adding to the story’s humor and modernity. Laird Mayhew is portrayed as a tech-savvy billionaire who has made his fortune in the tech industry. His mansion is filled with state-of-the-art gadgets and smart home technology, which provide many comedic moments throughout the film.

One example of technology’s role in the film is Laird’s personal assistant, Gustav. Gustav is an artificial intelligence system that controls various aspects of Laird’s mansion, including security, lighting, and entertainment. Gustav’s deadpan delivery and quirky personality add to the film’s humor, as he interacts with both Laird and Ned.

Another example is Laird’s gift to Ned: a virtual reality headset. Ned reluctantly tries out the VR headset and finds himself immersed in a virtual world filled with bizarre and uncomfortable scenarios. This scene provides a hilarious and memorable moment as Ned struggles to navigate the virtual reality experience.

The Importance of Family in Why Him?

Why Him? explores the theme of family and the challenges that come with accepting and embracing change. Ned Fleming is a loving father who wants the best for his daughter, Stephanie. However, his overprotective nature and traditional values clash with Stephanie’s choice of boyfriend, Laird Mayhew.

Throughout the film, Ned learns to let go of his preconceived notions and accept Laird as part of his family. He realizes that his daughter’s happiness is more important than his own discomfort and learns to appreciate Laird’s unique qualities. The film emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and acceptance within a family unit.

The theme of family is also explored through the relationship between Ned and his wife, Barb, and their interactions with Stephanie. Despite their differences, Ned and Barb are united in their love for their daughter and their desire to protect her. Their journey in accepting Laird reflects the challenges many parents face when their children enter into relationships that may not align with their expectations.

The Soundtrack of Why Him?

The soundtrack of Why Him? adds to the film’s tone and atmosphere, enhancing the comedic moments and emotional beats. The soundtrack features a mix of popular songs from various genres, including rock, pop, and hip-hop. The music helps to set the mood for each scene and adds an extra layer of enjoyment for the audience.

One standout song from the soundtrack is “Kiss You All Over” by Exile, which is featured in a memorable scene where Laird tries to seduce Stephanie. The song’s catchy melody and suggestive lyrics add to the humor and awkwardness of the situation.

Another notable song is “I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner, which plays during a heartfelt moment between Ned and Stephanie. The song’s emotional lyrics and powerful vocals contribute to the scene’s poignancy, highlighting the importance of family and love.

The Critical Reception of Why Him?

Why Him? received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised the film’s comedic performances and raunchy humor, others criticized its reliance on crude jokes and predictable plot. The film currently holds a 39% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 5.2/10.

Critics who enjoyed the film praised the chemistry between James Franco and Bryan Cranston, as well as the supporting cast’s comedic performances. They also appreciated the film’s exploration of family dynamics and its heartwarming moments. However, critics who were less impressed felt that the film relied too heavily on crude humor and lacked originality in its storytelling.

The Box Office Success of Why Him?

Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Why Him? was a box office success. The film grossed over $118 million worldwide against a budget of $38 million, making it a profitable venture for the studio. The film’s success can be attributed to its strong marketing campaign, star-studded cast, and appeal to fans of raunchy comedy.

Why Him? performed well at the box office compared to other comedies released around the same time. It outperformed films such as Office Christmas Party and Bad Santa 2, solidifying its place as a popular choice for audiences seeking a lighthearted and humorous movie experience.

The Legacy of Why Him?

While Why Him? may not have had a significant impact on the industry or audience, it remains a popular choice for fans of comedy. The film’s raunchy humor and memorable performances have made it a cult favorite among comedy enthusiasts.

Why Him? also serves as a reminder of the talent and versatility of actors like James Franco and Bryan Cranston. Their performances in the film showcase their comedic abilities and contribute to the movie’s overall success.

Why Him? is a raunchy and hilarious comedy that explores the challenges of accepting change within a family. The film’s strong performances, especially from James Franco and Bryan Cranston, contribute to its success and make it an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre. While it may not have had a significant impact on the industry, Why Him? remains a popular choice for those seeking a lighthearted and humorous movie 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 a particular person.

What are some common reasons why people choose a particular partner?

Some common reasons why people choose a particular partner include shared interests, physical attraction, emotional connection, and compatibility.

What are some factors that can influence why someone chooses a particular partner?

Some factors that can influence why someone chooses a particular partner include cultural background, family values, personal preferences, and past experiences.

Is it important to have a reason for choosing a particular partner?

While it is not necessary to have a specific reason for choosing a particular partner, it can be helpful to understand why you are attracted to someone and what qualities you value in a relationship.

Can people’s reasons for choosing a partner change over time?

Yes, people’s reasons for choosing a partner can change over time as they grow and evolve as individuals. It is important to regularly evaluate your relationship and ensure that it aligns with your current values and goals.