The Little Fockers opens in theaters on Wednesday, December 22nd. Luckily, Monica Storch was able to attend an early screening and a roundtable with some of the actors from the film on behalf of Mom in the City. Monica, who has become a dear blogging friend, is the Editor and Publisher of www.nyceast.macaronikid.com, a free weekly e-newsletter and website highlighting great events going on for kids and families in New York City. She’s also the proud, and exhausted, mom of a very sassy (her word, not mine!) 2 ½ year old. Monica shares her thoughts below:
“I’m the first to admit I’m a sucker for a clever, lighthearted comedy. Add a top-notch ensemble cast and I’m basically putty in a moviemaker’s hands. So it goes without saying that I was a huge fan of “Meet the Parents” and “Meet the Fockers,” the first two installments in what’s become one of the most successful movie franchises of all time. When I heard that the series would be continuing with “Little Fockers”, I couldn’t wait to catch up with Pam and Greg Focker and their clan, which now includes twins Henry and Samantha Focker. “Little Fockers” follows Pam and Greg as they plan and prepare for the twins’ fifth birthday party, and of course both sets of in-laws, played by Robert DeNiro, Blythe Danner, Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand, are back to stir things up as much as possible! There are some brilliant new additions to the cast as well, including Laura Dern, Harvey Keitel and Jessica Alba. After participating in a roundtable discussion with several members of the “Little Fockers” cast, I am happy to report that this talented group of actors is as dynamic and engaging in person as their onscreen counterparts.
First up were Daisy Tahan and Colin Baiocchi, who play twins Samantha and Henry Focker. Daisy, who at 8 has the poise and grace of a girl twice her age, shared with us her love of animals, her fondness for the craft services (i.e., snacks) table and the importance of being kind to everyone on set. (See, I told you she was super mature!). Colin, 7, regaled us with his hilarious stories and physical comedy, especially when describing his interactions with the lizards (both real and stuffed) featured in the movie and being recognized by, and promptly running away from, a girl at his school who wanted to take a picture of him. This kid is such a ham – he even ended our interview by saying, “Adios, amigo. And cut!” Both Daisy and Colin agreed that their favorite part of being part of the “Fockers” cast was getting to hear Teri Polo’s Elmo impression – in fact, at one point both kids were convinced that Teri actually played Elmo in real life! I loved that Daisy and Colin described themselves as “BFFs”, and it was clear from getting to know them, albeit briefly, that the pair is destined for great things, whether in the entertainment industry or elsewhere.
Then, Jessica Alba entered the room. (Yes, she is just as breathtaking in person as she is on screen and don’t even get me started on her drool-worthy wardrobe.) Make no mistake about it though – Jessica is as witty as she is gorgeous. We discussed everything from “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant” to her 2 ½ year old daughter’s “sticky hands” to balancing work and motherhood, and throughout it all Jessica impressed me with her warmth and sincerity as well as her dry sense of humor. As a mother, I wholly related to Jessica’s observation that she finally came into her own when her daughter Honor arrived, and that becoming a mother has not only changed her perspective on life for the better but also enabled her to more fully embrace herself. Jessica’s struggle with deciding which career opportunities to accept now that Honor is in her life also resonated with me. She feels very strongly that, if she’s going to spend time away from Honor it has to be for something that truly matters and about which she’s passionate because she doesn’t want to miss a minute with her daughter. At the same time, however, Jessica related that she’s learned to forgive herself for not being able to spend every second with Honor and accepted the idea that, in order to truly grow, her daughter will inevitably have to experience disappointment and sadness in life and that, as long as she knows that she is loved, it will be good for her. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Last, but certainly not least, was the legendary Blythe Danner, who seemed just as curious about us (a group of bloggers) as we were about her! In fact, after the interview, Blythe asked each of us for our cards so that she could check out our sites. Blythe charmed us with stories about acting on stage with her daughter Gwyneth and goofing around with her grandchildren Apple and Moses, who call her “Lalo.” She also discussed her passion for instilling in her children a love of music and an appreciation of the value of community service, observing that “community service breaks the isolation of adolescence.” I was particularly impressed by the obvious pride Blythe has in her son and daughter. She described Gwyneth as an “extraordinary” and “patient” mother who actually receives compliments about her children’s exemplary behavior when flying with them. (Note to self: I must learn Gwyneth’s secrets to air travel with kids). When asked if her approach to being a grandparent at all mirrored that of her “Fockers” character, Dina Byrnes, who is a bit “over involved” in her grandchildren’s lives, Blythe chuckled, stating that she’s very careful to only offer her opinion when asked because “I want to be around as much as I can be!” Hmmm…perhaps she’d be interested in giving my mother-in-law a call?
If the wit and charm of this talented group is any indication, the “Fockers” franchise is poised to continue its success for many installments to come. In any event, “Little Fockers” hits theaters on December 22nd, and it would make for a perfect holiday movie-going experience your entire family is sure to enjoy.”
Have you seen ““Meet the Parents” and “Meet the Fockers”? If so, do you plan on seeing this latest installment? Reggie and I saw the first two and he has expressed an interest in seeing this newest installment also…
(Thanks to Big Honcho Media for the screening and roundtable invitation and a special thanks to Monica!)