Watch The Heartbreak Kid

The Heartbreak Kid is a romantic comedy from 2007, directed by the Farrelly brothers and starring Ben Stiller, Michelle Monaghan, and Malin Akerman. The movie tells the story of Eddie Cantrow (Ben Stiller), a single and indecisive man in his late thirties who is pressured by his father and friends to settle down and marry. After attending his ex-girlfriend's wedding, he meets Lila (Malin Akerman), an attractive and quirky woman. Despite their differences, they quickly fall in love and decide to get married within a few weeks.

As newlyweds, Eddie and Lila embark on their honeymoon trip to Mexico, where their relationship begins to unravel. Eddie discovers that Lila is not the woman he thought she was: she has a foul mouth, bad hygiene, and an insatiable libido. Their physical and emotional incompatibilities lead to a series of embarrassing and hilarious moments, which culminate in Eddie meeting another woman, Miranda (Michelle Monaghan), who is everything Lila is not: kind, intelligent, and beautiful.

Eddie is torn between his loyalty to Lila and his growing feelings for Miranda. He decides to enjoy his honeymoon with both women, lying to them and himself about his intentions. Eventually, he must make a choice, which is complicated by unforeseen events and revelations. The Heartbreak Kid explores the themes of love, commitment, deception, and self-discovery, in a witty and sometimes raunchy style that is typical of the Farrelly brothers.

Ben Stiller delivers a typically neurotic and sympathetic performance as Eddie, a man who is never quite satisfied with what he has. He portrays Eddie as a likable but flawed character, who struggles to find his place in the world and in his relationships. His chemistry with Malin Akerman is convincing, and they share some genuinely funny and touching moments. However, their characters are ultimately too incompatible to sustain a healthy marriage, and their clashes escalate to a point that is both comical and uncomfortable to watch.

Michelle Monaghan is charming as Miranda, a woman who represents Eddie's ideal partner but is initially unaware of his situation. She brings a warmth and sincerity to her role that contrasts with Akerman's more abrasive and over-the-top performance. Their scenes together are a highlight of the movie, as they share witty banter and genuine affection, despite the circumstances.

The supporting cast includes some recognizable faces, such as Jerry Stiller (Ben's real-life father) as Eddie's father, Carlos Mencia as Lila's ex, and Rob Corddry as Eddie's obnoxious friend. They all contribute to the humor and pathos of the story, although some of their jokes and antics may not be to everyone's taste.

The Heartbreak Kid is not a groundbreaking or highbrow movie, but it is a solid example of the romantic comedy genre. It uses the familiar formula of mismatched lovers and obstacles to their happiness, but adds a few twists and quirks that make it stand out. The Farrelly brothers inject their trademark mix of crude humor and sentimentalism, which can be hit or miss, but overall works well. The movie's pacing and editing are tight, and the soundtrack features an eclectic mix of songs that complement the mood of each scene.

Some viewers may find the movie problematic or offensive, due to its portrayal of gender roles, cultural stereotypes, and sexual politics. The plot relies on some questionable decisions and actions by the characters, which may strain credibility or goodwill. The humor can be juvenile, gross, or offensive, depending on one's perspective. The ending may also divide audiences, as it offers a resolution that some may find satisfying and others may find unsatisfying or predictable.

Overall, The Heartbreak Kid is a fun and light-hearted romp that offers some genuine laughs and insights into the foibles of human relationships. It is not for everyone, but fans of Ben Stiller, romantic comedies, and the Farrelly brothers' oeuvre should give it a chance. It may not break your heart, but it may make it skip a beat or two.

The Heartbreak Kid is a 2007 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 46.