The Heartbreak Kid (2007)

If Shallow Hal explored inner goodness perceived as external beauty, then Peter and Bobby Farrelly's remake of The Heartbreak Kid flips that script, focusing on outward beauty that keeps the inner ugly hidden. But while Shallow Hal at least tried to have a positive message, here the brothers thoroughly debase their symbol of beauty -- using Ben Stiller as their sadistic surrogate -- and accumulate plenty of bad vibes in the process. Inspired by recent R-rated comedies to revisit their naughtier roots, the directors toss out a number of raunchy sight gags in the vain hope of producing another semen-hair-gel moment. But they needn't have abandoned one of their other previously reliable trademarks: the essential sweetness of the protagonist. Far more petulant than charming, Stiller's Eddie loses out with the audience when he becomes too comfortable with and talented at deceiving his bride (Malin Akerman). Even as awful as the Farrellys make Lila out to be, there's also a kernel of sympathy about her, which leaves him looking more like the pernicious schemer, she just the hapless dimwit. These problems wouldn't be as noticeable if the audience were laughing, but when the recurring joke is a mariachi band that won't get lost, you know you're in for a long night. Things go from bad to worse when Eddie becomes involved in an utterly stupid and ill-considered illegal border-crossing, which seems to take weeks. The casting of Carlos Mencia alone should have been a tip-off: the Farrellys' comedic instincts can no longer be taken for granted. Buried in here somewhere is an interesting idea -- how well do you really know your spouse? -- but the scenario is so exaggerated, it loses all resonance. Wasted also is the darling Michelle Monaghan, who has the chance to become America's next sweetheart -- but not if she's using a mean-spirited misfire like The Heartbreak Kid as a springboard. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide