Hello, Focker! This week we are meeting the in-laws. We tackle the hilarious and anxiety-inducing 2000 millennial classic, Meet the Parents, starring Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.

We dive deep into the uncomfortable comedy, the bizarre behavior of the Byrnes family, and what makes this film an enduring comedy hit.

• Retro Ramble: The Dad Trope Debate We discuss the worst "Dad Tropes" that need to go (the lazy/intimidating father) versus the ones we love to keep (the helpful "problem solver" dad).

• The Focker Formula: The film was a massive commercial success, earning $166 million worldwide and scoring high marks with both critics (85%) and audiences (79%). We also reveal the legal reason the director was allowed to use the last name "Focker" in the first place.

• The Anxiety Comedy: We analyze how the movie successfully uses awkward silences and escalating tension to make the audience feel Greg Focker's pain, living up to the critic who called it "comedy that's as likely to have you gnawing your fist in agony of embarrassment."

• The Male Nurse Stereotype: We discuss the constant and unfair ridicule Greg faces for being a male nurse, despite having aced his MCATs.

• The CIA Agent's Flaws: We break down the humorous flaws in Jack Byrnes' CIA persona and his lack of knowledge about his florist "cover story."

• The Jinxy Obsession: The discussion covers Jack's disturbing obsession with his Himalayan cat, and the amusing trivia that Robert De Niro used cat treats to bond with the animal actor on set.

• The Pipe & Prejudice: We discuss the moment Jack blames the drug pipe on Greg, showcasing his instant prejudice and disregard for the truth.

• Casting What-Ifs: We reveal that the role of Greg Focker almost went to Jim Carrey and the role of Jack Byrnes almost went to Christopher Walken.

• Film History: The 2000 blockbuster is actually a remake of a "wonderfully twisted black comedy" independent film from 1991 that most people have never seen.

As always, don’t miss out on the Retro Ramble, Stale Popcorn and Gum Under The Seat

If you're a millennial who grew up quoting this movie, or just love a good nostalgic conversation, then this is the podcast for you!

Join us as we take a LIVE trip down memory lane, every Thursday on YouTube!

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Timecodes

00:00 Intro / Retro Ramble: Dad Tropes

11:30 Box Office, Budget, & Rotten Tomatoes Scores

19:22 Why the Audience Still Loves Meeting the Parents

22:27 The History & Necessity of the "Focker" Last Name

24:30 The Awkwardness of Asking for a Hand in Marriage

31:13 The Awkward Silence as a Comedic Tool

33:55 Jack's Flawed CIA/Florist Cover

36:04 The Prejudice & The Pipe Incident

41:51 Kevin (Owen Wilson), Pam, and the Ex-Boyfriend Situation

44:56 The Famous "Can you milk me?" line

54:36 Casting Alternatives (Jim Carrey & Christopher Walken)

01:02 : 45 Stale Popcorn

01:13:52 Next Week's Retro Ramble

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