Why Him? – A Philosophical Comedy of Errors
In a world where love occasionally takes the form of a billion-dollar tech mogul who can’t seem to find his filter, Why Him? invites us to ponder the existential question: What is the true nature of compatibility? Is it love, money, or merely the ability to tolerate your future son-in-law’s incessant use of profanity?
Our journey begins with Ned (Bryan Cranston), a quintessentially overprotective father whose idea of a perfect son-in-law probably involves a plaid shirt and a penchant for woodworking. When he visits his daughter Stephanie (Zoey Deutch) at Stanford, he is greeted not by a wholesome young man but by Laird (James Franco), a charismatic billionaire who appears to have crawled straight out of a Silicon Valley meme. Laird, with his absurdly lavish lifestyle and zero social graces, is the epitome of everything Ned despises.
As Ned navigates this bizarre new world, he finds himself in a high-stakes game of “who can embarrass whom first.” Picture the scene: an awkward dinner where Laird decides to present a gift that is both a smart home device and a poorly thought-out sexual innuendo. The philosophical implications of such a gift are profound—does it represent the commodification of intimacy, or merely a misguided attempt at humor? Either way, you can hear the sound of Ned’s sanity fraying like a cheap sweater.
But wait! The plot thickens like a poorly executed soufflé when Laird announces his intention to propose to Stephanie. In a moment that could only be described as a philosophical crisis wrapped in a comedy, Ned realizes he must resort to extreme measures to protect his daughter from a future that involves a wedding planned via a virtual reality app. Cue the frantic attempts to sabotage Laird’s proposal, which range from the hilariously inept to the downright absurd. Ned’s antics are reminiscent of a man trying to catch a fish with a net made of spaghetti—ineffective, yet oddly entertaining.
As the story unfolds, the film cleverly juxtaposes Ned’s traditional values against Laird’s outlandish lifestyle, forcing us to question: Is love merely a function of social acceptance, or can a billionaire with the emotional maturity of a toddler truly win over a father’s heart? In a climactic showdown that involves a rather explosive fireworks display (one that would make any father proud), the film reaches its philosophical zenith: sometimes, the greatest gift a parent can give is their reluctant acceptance of their child’s choices—no matter how absurd those choices may be.
In the end, Why Him? is not just a comedy; it’s a reflection on the evolving nature of family dynamics in the age of technology and social awkwardness. It asks us to embrace the chaos of modern relationships, where love can be loud, messy, and filled with questionable life choices. So, the next time you find yourself questioning your child’s partner, remember: they might just be the billion-dollar question you never knew you needed to answer.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a film that combines humor, heart, and a healthy dose of existential dread, Why Him? is your ticket to a night of laughter and philosophical reflection. Just don’t forget to bring your best dad jokes for the ride!