Why Him? Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Overprotective dad freaks out because his daughter’s boyfriend has tattoos, swears a lot, and might actually be a decent human being, but definitely owns a moose-urine tank.

🍿 Why Him?: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Meeting and Culture Clash

Ned Fleming, a traditional Midwestern dad, discovers his daughter Stephanie is dating Laird Mayhew, a Silicon Valley millionaire with no filter. The culture clash is immediate and jarring as Ned and his family visit Laird’s high-tech, profanity-laced world for the first time. The initial interactions are fraught with awkwardness and misunderstandings, setting the stage for the comedic conflict.

Laird’s Attempts to Impress

Throughout the visit, Laird makes increasingly outlandish attempts to win over Ned, often backfiring spectacularly. From a questionable back tattoo to an ill-fated Christmas Eve party, Laird’s efforts highlight the vast differences in their values and lifestyles. This leads to many cringe-worthy and humorous situations as Ned struggles to reconcile his daughter’s choice with his own traditional values.

Business and Personal Conflicts

Ned’s struggling printing business becomes intertwined with the personal drama when Laird offers to buy the company, intending to alleviate Ned’s financial stress. However, this gesture is misconstrued and leads to a physical altercation, further complicating their already strained relationship. The blend of business and personal matters escalates the tension, pushing the characters to their breaking points.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Laird Mayhew (James Franco): A well-meaning but socially awkward Silicon Valley millionaire who tries to win over his girlfriend’s traditional father.
• Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston): An overprotective father who struggles to accept his daughter’s unconventional boyfriend.
• Stephanie Fleming (Zoey Deutch): The daughter caught between her loving but overprotective father and her eccentric boyfriend.
• Barb Fleming (Megan Mullally): The supportive mother who tries to navigate the awkward situation between her husband and daughter’s boyfriend.
• Gustav (Keegan-Michael Key): Laird’s loyal and quirky estate manager who offers questionable advice.
• Scotty Fleming (Griffin Gluck): The younger brother who quickly bonds with Laird over video games and business ideas.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Laird: “The motherfucking Flemings!” – Laird’s enthusiastic and unconventional greeting upon first meeting Stephanie’s family, showcasing his unfiltered personality.
• Gustav: “He speaks English, and you speak English with resounding amounts of ‘fuck’.” – Gustav’s observation on the communication gap between Laird and Ned, highlighting Laird’s excessive use of profanity.
• Laird: “I got a back tattoo of your Christmas card!” – Laird’s over-the-top attempt to impress the Flemings, demonstrating his lack of understanding of social boundaries.
• Ned: “Did you just bite my junk?” – Ned’s shocked reaction during the physical fight with Laird, marking the climax of their conflict.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $38,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $60,323,786
• Worldwide Gross: $118,102,725

💥 Why Him? Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a silly, over-the-top comedy, and that’s exactly what I got. James Franco is hilarious as the unfiltered Laird, and Bryan Cranston plays the exasperated dad perfectly. There are definitely cringe-worthy moments, but overall, it’s a fun and entertaining movie to watch with friends who enjoy raunchy humor. The scene with the automated toilet is unforgettable (in a slightly horrifying way!) and the KISS cameo at the end was a total surprise!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of James Franco and Bryan Cranston’s comedic roles.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy culture clash comedies.”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted, albeit crude, holiday film.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language and profanity.”
  • “Crude and sexual humor.”
  • “Drug use (marijuana).”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “”Why Him?” is crudely hilarious and hilariously crude, mostly because of the film’s stellar cast. Franco is pitch perfect playing what seems to be a more outlandish version of himself. Hamburg’s direction makes great use of his ensemble’s chemistry and comedic talents. This movie is a great modern take on a classic plot.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the cast delivers solid performances, the script relies too heavily on shock value and predictable tropes, undermining the potential for genuine humor and heartfelt moments. It has funny moments, but does not stand out in the crowded comedy field.

Audience Reactions

Fans loved the outrageous humor and James Franco’s over-the-top performance.: Many viewers found the movie hilarious and enjoyed the chemistry between the cast.

Overall Consensus: While polarizing, “Why Him?” appeals to audiences who enjoy raunchy, over-the-top humor and solid comedic performances. It’s not a film for everyone, but it delivers on its promise of silly entertainment.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “During filming, the cast was encouraged to improvise, resulting in over 240 hours of footage that had to be edited down to the final runtime.”
• “The moose filled with urine in Laird’s house was a practical effect, though the ‘urine’ was likely a mixture of water and food coloring for sanitary reasons.”
• “The role of Gustav was specifically written with Keegan-Michael Key in mind, and his eccentric style was largely his own creation.”

🖥️ How to Watch Why Him??

Why Him? is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms such as Prime Video, where it is often available for rent or purchase. It’s also commonly found on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for digital rentals or purchases. Depending on your region, you may find it on other local streaming services. Check your local listings for availability. For physical copies, look at retailers like Amazon or major department stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Why Him?, you might like these similar films:

• Meet the Parents (2000): Classic comedy about a man trying to win over his girlfriend’s overprotective father, similar to the core conflict in ‘Why Him?’
• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967): Deals with similar themes of generational and cultural clashes when a young woman brings her fiancé home to meet her parents.
• Father of the Bride (1991): Explores a father’s difficulty in accepting his daughter’s impending marriage and the changes it brings to their relationship.
• I Love You, Man (2009): Directed by John Hamburg. Showcases male bonding through humor and relatable situations, similar to the developing relationship between Ned and Laird.

🛒 Why Him? Related Products

• Why Him? [Blu-ray]: The Blu-ray edition includes behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and a gag reel, perfect for fans who want to delve deeper into the making of the movie.
• James Franco: Actor, Director, Writer, Artist: Explore the multifaceted career of James Franco, from his early roles to his experimental art projects, and discover the motivations behind his unconventional choices.
• Breaking Bad: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]: Bryan Cranston’s iconic performance as Walter White in Breaking Bad is a masterclass in acting. This complete series box set allows fans to own every thrilling moment of the show.
• Funko Pop! Movies: KISS – The Demon: This stylized collectible stand 3 3/4 inches tall, perfect for any KISS fan!

🎧 Soundtrack

Why Him? features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Down On the Corner” – performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival
• “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” – performed by KISS

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How much money do you have? #movie #WhyHim #ComedyFilm #JamesFranco #BryanCranston

“How much money do you have?” is a hilarious and memorable line from the movie ‘Why Him?’. This clip showcases the sarcastic banter between James Franco and Bryan Cranston, and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

WhyHim The Lost KISS Scene

Have you ever wondered what scenes didn’t make it into the final cut of ‘Why Him?’? This deleted scene featuring KISS is a fun and revealing look at some of the behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make it to the big screen.

WHY HIM? – Bryan Cranston & Keegan-Michael Key in a hilarious outtake scene [Blu-Ray/DVD 2017]

Want to see Bryan Cranston and Keegan-Michael Key cracking each other up on set? This outtake scene from ‘Why Him?’ is full of laughter and silly moments, and it’s a must-watch for fans of the movie.

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