So you'd think that the cash-grabbing shitpile sequel Little Fockers would be a natural for this turf, but Rotten Tomatoes makes the job too easy and NYMag's Willa Paskin sifted through all that just to find the ones focusing on Harvey Keitel's scene with Robert DeNiro. In other words, you don't need me anymore for this. But I'd be remiss if I didn't highlight (via Paskin) the New York Post's review, for which Kyle Smith has as his lede:
"Little Fockers" may not be the worst, most vulgar, most pathetic and least funny picture of the year. But it's a strong contender for second place behind the picture Brett Favre allegedly sent over his cellphone.I believe we're now at 12 years since DeNiro's last solid dramatic role -- Ronin. Our kids may never understand what the big deal was.
It seems wrong that no one has commented on this. We should care more that De Niro has apparently just given up. And really, it goes back to a time well before Ronin, although I agree that was his last solid dramatic part. He went over the top as Max Cady in Cape Fear in 1991 and he has struggled with consistency ever since. Frankenstein? The Fan? Since Ronin, though, it feels like he's mostly content to mock his earlier personas in variations on the same lame comedic themes. Gotta pay the mortgage, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI was going to mention "Everybody's Fine" until I remembered all the heavy lifting was done by the supporting cast.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine its about paying the bills. Maybe he doesnt care anymore and just takes parts that he thinks will be fun? Too much pressure taking on the lead role in a serious film? It is sad to see. His name certainly isnt drawing people to the theaters anymore.
For what it's worth, this crapfest pulled $7.2mill yesterday....