I don’t know in case you’ve heard or not, however Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro are coming again for an additional Meet the Dad and mom sequel, an upcoming 2026 film with an on-brand title of Focker in Regulation. With the franchise again within the highlight as soon as once more, I’ve been considering rather a lot in regards to the iconic 2000s film that began all of it 25 years in the past this October. I’ve been fascinated by the funniest scenes, that legendary film cat (Mr. Jinx), and the way a lot I really like this film.
I’ve additionally been fascinated by all these nice characters, in addition to the franchise’s worst: Pamela Byrnes-Focker (Teri Polo). Earlier than you get all labored up, I don’t have an issue with Polo’s efficiency or something like that. Nonetheless, I can’t sit right here and act like Pam’s something however the worst. Hear me out…
Pam Byrnes Is One Of The Least Supportive Girlfriends And Worst Communicators
There have been plenty of rotten boyfriends and girlfriends in films (particularly comedies like this) through the years, and I’d completely put Pam Byrnes on that listing. All through Meet the Dad and mom, she’s not very supportive of Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) and is hands-down the worst communicator in the entire film. She doesn’t inform her overbearing and intense-as-all-hell father, Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), that she and Greg live collectively, doesn’t inform Greg that he’s so freaking high-strung, and doesn’t fill in plenty of gaps.
I imply, simply have a look at the part the place they go to Kevin Rawley’s (Owen Wilson) home. Pam doesn’t inform Greg that they’re going to her ex-fiancé’s home till they get out of their vehicles within the driveway, establishing a disastrous afternoon. Positive, it results in some hilarious and painfully awkward moments I nonetheless snigger about, however yeesh. It’s only one factor about this film that hasn’t aged effectively.
I Know It is A Comedy, However She Completely Set Greg Up For Failure In Meet The Dad and mom
I do know, Greg Focker being a fish out of water within the Byrnes residence and their lifestyle completely makes Meet the Dad and mom such a humorous film, however she’s establishing her boyfriend and soon-to-be fiancé up for failure from the bounce. She does have his again ultimately when she will get Greg’s MCAT scores and reveals her mother and father he was within the 97th percentile, however actually, it’s too little too late.
Greg is a prickly dude, I’ll admit that, however he had nobody on his aspect and nobody supporting him all through the entire weekend. I’m not saying Pam standing by him would have prevented the Mr. Jinx incident or the yard pool flood or the large fireplace, however you already know what I imply.
Even Watching As A Child, I Thought, ‘What Offers, Pam?’
I noticed Meet the Dad and mom at my finest pal’s twelfth birthday, and I bear in mind considering “what offers, Pam?” every time all the things was happening. I knew nothing about love, relationships, or adulting on the time (I’m nonetheless iffy on most features), however I knew that I didn’t like what she did to Greg throughout his downward spiral and fall from grace. Once more, I didn’t suppose then, and I don’t suppose now that her being 100% supportive would have made Jack much less of a psychopath, however some help could be good.
It’s not like Pam Byrnes killed anybody or left Greg behind and have become some cult chief, however her lack of communication, unwillingness to get her boyfriend’s again, and concern of her admittedly loopy dad is simply one thing I can’t get previous.