Focker-In-Law hailed as "one of the funniest films of the year" in first reactions

Focker-In-Law has been hailed as "hysterical" and "genuinely good fun" following early screenings. Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller reprise their roles as Jack Byrnes and Greg Focker, respectively, whom we first met in Meet the Parents in 2000.

There have since been two other sequels to the original film – Meet the Fockers in 2004, and Little Fockers in 2010.

Focker-in-Law stars Ariana Grande as Olivia Jones, the fiancée of Greg and Pam's (Teri Polo) son Henry (Skyler Gisondo), and to Greg's dismay, it seems she gets on really well with Jack.

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The film also brings back Blythe Danner as Dina Byrnes and Owen Wilson as Pam's former fiancé Kevin alongside newcomer Beanie Feldstein as Henry's twin sister Samantha.

Ahead of Focker-In-Law's release on 25 November, several critics who attended early screenings have praised the film.

Bill Bria posted on X: "Focker-In-Law is the most unexpectedly pleasant surprise. Rather than lazily flipping the script of Meet The Parents (or repeating it), John Hamburg & co. make a clever direct sequel that’s reliant on the top notch cast, with Ben Stiller being MVP. Some belly laughs in this one!"

Peter Gray wrote: "#FockerInLaw: The best of the series’ sequels, there’s a real throwback vibe here that reminds us why situational comedies belong on the big screen. Stiller and De Niro are in their element, but this is absolutely Grande’s film! Her comedic timing is stellar. Genuinely good fun."

Junior Felix said: "#FockerInLaw is one of the funniest films of the year! I had an absolute blast watching this film and genuinely was not ready for the amount of times I would die laughing.

"Ariana Grande is a damn treasure and has some hilarious moments. This is the pitch perfect family comedy we really need right now and it's the gift that keeps giving. Also, Eduardo Franco is HYSTERICAL!"

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The Distracted Tatiana called it a "certified good time at the cinema", while Doug Jamieson thought Focker-In-Law was "a solid good time" and packed with "genuine laughs and plenty of heart".

Christopher Rates It said: "In all honesty, Focker-in-Law is funnier and better than you’d initially expect.

"The combined chemistry of Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Ariana Grande, and Skyler Gisondo makes this just a simple fine watch to wind down. It feels reminiscent of the original and has some hilarious set pieces here and there but is ultimately bogged down by falling into legacy sequel tropes and some moments that feel out of place.

"It’s a film that truthfully wouldn’t be the same without Ariana Grande’s charm, comedic timing, and ability to shift tones without it feeling jarring."

Focker-In-Law is released in UK cinemas on 25 November.

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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more. Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club. LinkedIn