Tag Archives: Ben Stiller

FOCKER IN-LAW (2026): New Trailer From Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Ariana Grande…

Directed by John Hamburg, Focker In-Law is the fourth instalment of a comedy film series that began with Ben Stiller’s comedy hit Meet the Parents (2000).

Starring Robert De Niro, Stiller and Ariana Grande, more family chaos ensues when a strong-willed future in-law is introduced to the Focker family, and now it’s Greg’s turn to be overbearing.

Meet the Parents is one of my happy movie memories. That said, let’s say I’m hoping for the best with this one.

So far, what makes me happiest about this trailer is De Niro’s strong arms at 0:54 seconds. Purely because he seems to be taking good care of himself, which means one of my favourite actors will be around for some time yet.

What are you thinking about this release?

Beanie Feldstein, Owen Wilson, Skyler Gisondo, Teri Polo, Eduardo Franco, Blythe Danner, Prosper Bellizia and Richard Adams also star.

Focker In-Law Release Dates: November 25th, (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

ZOOLANDER (2001): The Things I Liked…

Zoolander (2001), Will Ferrell Paramount Pictures
Zoolander (2001), Will Ferrell Paramount Pictures

Zoolander (2001) is one of my favourite feel-good, silly films. Starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, and Christine Taylor, it offers a satirical look at the world of male modelling.

I’m almost certain that 90% of the time, as the movie played, I was either smiling or laughing. It’s the story, dialogue, production, costumes, and general ridiculousness that tickled me so.

There isn’t much for me to hate about star/director and co-writer Ben Stiller’s film. To me, Zoolander is edited perfectly, with not a single moment of wasted screen time. How could this not be the case, especially when Stiller, a proven funny man with great comic timing, is so heavily involved in the movie?

I enjoyed every single character in Zoolander, including the one played by a young Alexander Skarsgård. David Bowie’s short but all-important cameo is also a key highlight. In fact, I enjoyed all the cameos. Something I wish I could say about Zoolander 2 (2016)

My overall favourite character is absolutely Jacobim Mugatu, a fashion designer character played perfectly by Will Ferrell.

Happy Film Loving,

G

HAPPY GILMORE 2 (2025): New Trailer Starring Adam Sandler, Margaret Qualley, Ben Stiller, Julie Bowen…

The plot for Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller and Margaret Qualley’s latest film, Happy Gilmore 2 hasn’t been revealed yet.

As a friendly reminder, in case you forgot, the original hit, released nearly thirty years ago, was about an ill-tempered hockey player who took up golf after his grandmother’s home was repossessed. All so he can earn enough to get her house back.

Directed by Kyle Newacheck, Julie Bowen, Kym Whitley, Travis Kelce and Bad Bunny are among the key cast.

I’ve never actually watched the original Happy Gilmore movie; it’s one of those films I’m only aware of by name and Sandler’s involvement.

Hopefully, the original film and this sequel are one of those Sandler movies I like. The premise alone has certainly piqued my interest. I imagine it will be amusing, heartwarming and just the right kind of silly.

Have you watched the 1996 Happy Gilmore movie? If so, what did you think?

Ethan Cutkosky, Benny Safdie, Christopher McDonald, Dennis Dugan, Nick Swardson, Dani Deetté, Conor Sherry, Lee Trevino, Maxwell Friedman and Michael Everett Johnson also star.

Happy Gilmore 2 Release Dates: July 25th, 2025 (US), Netflix

Happy Film Loving,

G

NUTCRACKERS (2024): The Things I Liked…

Directed by David Gordon Green of Pineapple Express (2008), Nutcrackers is a comedy/drama that follows a single, child-free uncle (Ben Stiller) whose life changes completely after his four unruly nephews are unexpectedly orphaned. 

The trailer for Nutcrackers featured well-edited clips with some promising comic timing and talented young performers. Unfortunately, the finished product felt forced. It also contained super long cuts of dancing towards the end that tested my patience instead of giving me that heartwarming moment it tried to induce. 

I stayed watching Nutcrackers past the twenty-minute mark because it gave me glimpses of Ben Stiller at the height of his comedic powers. The period when hits such as There’s Something About Mary (1998), Meet the Parents (2000) and Zoolander (2001) were released.

Nutcrackers attempted a few more moments of emotional depth outside of the aforementioned dancing scenes. However, those, too, read as manufactured, and poorly so, because it felt like I saw all the beats coming.

One more positive thing? Linda Cardellini is always a pleasant surprise on any cast list. My only wish is that Nutcrackers had been a more successful option outside of the usual, super cheesy romantic Christmas films of the season, which, as cheesy as they may be, have their rightful place.

Watch Nutcrackers, only if you absolutely must.

Happy Film Loving, 

G

MADAGASCAR (2005): The Things I Liked… 

Madagascar is an animated movie I remember enjoying a lot in 2005. 

The Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath-directed film about animals from New York Zoo that find themselves in the jungles of Madagascar has some very memorable characters.

Madagascar (2005), Universal Pictures
Madagascar (2005), Universal Pictures

Though the resourceful penguins are fantastic, King Julian has my heart, not just because of the words that come out of his mouth, but equally because of his gloriously joy-inducing dance moves.

Also, as I rewatched the movie, I suddenly found myself dreaming of a pet lemur. However, I’m sure it’s best to get a King Julian plushie instead; ideally, one that’s motorised so he can dance to my heart’s content.

Have you seen Madagascar recently? It’s not a perfect movie, but it’s fun and stars Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer, and Cedric the Entertainer. 

I say watch Madagascar at once, and see how you smile!

Happy Film Loving, 

G