WHY HIM? (2016)

Summary:

Ned Fleming, a conservative, overprotective father from Grand Rapids, Michigan, travels with his wife Barb and teenage son Scotty to California to visit his beloved daughter, Stephanie, over the Christmas holidays. However, their festive reunion takes an unexpected turn when Stephanie introduces them to her new, eccentric, and extremely wealthy Silicon Valley tech billionaire boyfriend, Laird Mayhew. Laird is a well-meaning but socially awkward and uncensored individual whose lifestyle and personality clash dramatically with Ned's traditional values.

The film follows Ned's increasingly desperate attempts to sabotage Stephanie's relationship with Laird, whom he sees as entirely unsuitable for his daughter. As Ned navigates Laird's extravagant mansion, his bizarre staff, and his seemingly endless stream of inappropriate gestures and comments, he finds himself in a comedic battle of wills against a man who genuinely loves Stephanie but has no concept of personal boundaries. The clash of cultures and personalities leads to a series of hilarious mishaps and heartfelt moments as Ned tries to protect his daughter while Laird endeavors to win over his future father-in-law.

Keywords: Why Him?, 2016, Bryan Cranston, James Franco, Zoey Deutch, Comedy, Romance, Family Conflict.

Plot:

The story opens in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Ned Fleming, a hardworking, traditional printing company owner, is celebrating his 55th birthday. His family, including his supportive wife Barb and his awkward teenage son Scotty, are present. During a video call, his beloved daughter Stephanie, a Stanford University student, reveals she has a new boyfriend, Laird Mayhew. Unbeknownst to Ned, Laird makes a surprise appearance in the background, inadvertently exposing his bare buttocks to the camera, much to Ned's horror and the family's amusement. This initial, shocking introduction sets the tone for the culture clash to come.

Excited but apprehensive, the Fleming family travels to Palo Alto, California, to spend Christmas with Stephanie at Laird's extravagant, futuristic mansion. Upon their arrival, they are immediately overwhelmed by Laird's ostentatious lifestyle. The house is a sprawling, modern marvel equipped with smart technology, a bowling alley, a petting zoo, and a personal chef, Gustav, who also serves as Laird's life coach and confidant. Laird, a successful video game developer and tech billionaire, is introduced as a man with no filter, prone to profanity and overly intimate gestures, much to Ned's discomfort. Laird immediately tries to bond with Ned, referring to him as "Papa Fleming" and expressing his deep love for Stephanie, which, while genuine, is often expressed in ways that further unnerve Ned.

Ned's initial disdain for Laird grows with each interaction. Laird has a massive, intricately tattooed back featuring a scene from "The Godfather," which he proudly displays. He gives Ned a bizarre "Christmas card" which is actually a large framed photo of Laird and Stephanie engaging in an intimate act, further cementing Ned's belief that Laird is entirely inappropriate for his daughter. Laird's attempts to win over Ned often backfire spectacularly. He tries to impress Ned by purchasing a taxidermied moose, which ends up being a grotesque, headless specimen, and then later replaces it with a fully intact, enormous moose that barely fits into the Flemings' living room back home. Ned finds Laird's lack of boundaries and his overly casual approach to life deeply offensive, fearing that Stephanie, who has always been his "perfect" daughter, will be corrupted by Laird's influence.

While Ned struggles, Barb, the more open-minded and adventurous mother, finds herself surprisingly charmed by Laird's genuine affection for Stephanie and his eccentric personality. Scotty, initially shy, quickly bonds with Laird, who encourages his video game interests and offers him an internship at his company. Stephanie, caught between her loving family and her unconventional boyfriend, tries to mediate the escalating tension, often defending Laird's good intentions despite his social blunders. The dynamic creates a rift, with Ned feeling increasingly isolated in his disapproval.

The conflict escalates during a lavish Christmas party hosted by Laird. Ned, already on edge, accidentally consumes marijuana-laced food and becomes increasingly disinhibited. He finds himself in a series of humiliating situations, including a disastrous attempt to use a high-tech Japanese toilet, which sprays him unexpectedly, and a chaotic encounter with Laird's virtual reality game. During the party, Ned overhears Laird discussing his plan to propose to Stephanie. This revelation sends Ned into a panic, solidifying his resolve to break up the relationship. He believes Laird is moving too fast and is not a suitable long-term partner for Stephanie.

In a desperate attempt to sabotage the engagement, Ned confronts Stephanie, expressing his deep concerns about Laird. Stephanie, however, reveals that she is happy and that Laird makes her feel truly loved and accepted for who she is. She also confesses that Laird has been secretly funding Ned's struggling printing business, which he had been trying to keep secret from his family. This revelation, intended to show Laird's generosity, only further enrages Ned, who feels humiliated by Laird's unsolicited "charity." He interprets it as Laird trying to buy his approval, rather than earning it.

Driven by a mix of pride and desperation, Ned decides to buy out Laird's company, believing that if Laird loses his fortune, Stephanie will see him for who he "really" is. He calls his wealthy business associate, who agrees to help him. However, Ned quickly discovers that Laird's company is not only immensely valuable but also impossible to acquire due to its complex structure and Laird's vast personal wealth. This failed attempt to financially ruin Laird further highlights the vast chasm between their worlds and Ned's powerlessness against Laird's influence.

The climax occurs during a chaotic, live-streamed family Christmas celebration. Ned, still determined to expose Laird, prepares a presentation of all Laird's inappropriate behavior. However, his plan goes awry when Laird, in an attempt to show his commitment to the family, reveals a new tattoo on his back – a detailed depiction of the entire Fleming family, including their beloved dog. The tattoo artist, having misunderstood Laird's instructions, inadvertently makes the "Fleming" family name look like "Flemang" and depicts Ned in a less-than-flattering light, with a giant, anatomically incorrect penis. This hilarious misunderstanding, combined with Ned's increasingly erratic behavior, leads to a public meltdown.

In the midst of the chaos, Laird makes a heartfelt plea to Ned, explaining that he genuinely loves Stephanie and wants to be a part of the Fleming family, warts and all. He admits his social awkwardness but emphasizes his unwavering devotion to Stephanie. Stephanie, seeing Laird's sincerity and Ned's stubbornness, finally intervenes, urging her father to accept Laird. She explains that Laird's eccentricities are part of who he is, and that he brings out the best in her. Faced with the genuine love between Stephanie and Laird, and the realization that his own actions are causing more harm than good, Ned finally begins to relent.

The film concludes with Ned reluctantly giving his blessing to Laird's proposal. The wedding takes place shortly after, with Laird and Stephanie happily marrying in a ceremony that blends their two very different worlds. Ned, though still a little bewildered, has come to accept Laird as part of the family, recognizing that beneath the crude exterior is a kind-hearted man who genuinely loves his daughter. The post-credits scene shows Ned, Barb, and Scotty back home, now dealing with the enormous, headless moose from Laird, a lasting reminder of their unforgettable Christmas in California and the new, unconventional addition to their family.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Bryan Cranston as Ned Fleming
• James Franco as Laird Mayhew
• Zoey Deutch as Stephanie Fleming
• Megan Mullally as Barb Fleming
• Griffin Gluck as Scotty Fleming

Crew:

• Director: John Hamburg
• Writers: John Hamburg, Ian Helfer (Screenplay); Jonah Hill, John Hamburg, Ian Helfer (Story)
• Producers: Stuart Cornfeld, Ben Stiller, Shawn Levy
• Music by: Theodore Shapiro
• Cinematography: Kris Kachikis
• Editor: William Kerr

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: December 23, 2016
• Language: English
• Genre: Comedy
• Running Time: 111 minutes
• Accolades: N/A (Primarily a comedic box office success)