The film centers around Greg Focker (played by Ben Stiller), a mild-mannered male nurse who plans to propose to his girlfriend, Pam Byrnes (played by Teri Polo), during a weekend trip to meet her parents. However, things quickly go awry when Greg’s flight is delayed, and they arrive late at Pam’s parents’ house.
Upon meeting Pam’s father, Jack Byrnes (played by Robert De Niro), Greg immediately finds himself on the defensive as Jack scrutinizes his every move and questions his suitability as a potential son-in-law. Jack, a retired CIA agent, is fiercely protective of his daughter and harbors deep suspicions about Greg’s intentions.
Throughout the weekend, Greg’s attempts to win over Jack and impress Pam’s family are repeatedly thwarted by a series of embarrassing and comedic mishaps. From accidentally setting the family cat on fire to inadvertently destroying Jack’s prized rose garden, Greg finds himself in one awkward situation after another.
Adding to Greg’s troubles is the presence of Pam’s ex-boyfriend, Kevin (played by Owen Wilson), who still holds a torch for her and openly competes with Greg for her affections. Greg’s insecurities and anxieties are further exacerbated by Jack’s relentless interrogations and psychological mind games.
As tensions escalate and misunderstandings abound, Greg’s relationship with Pam is put to the test, and he must summon all his courage and ingenuity to salvage their romance and prove himself worthy of Jack’s approval.
In a climactic showdown, Greg finally stands up to Jack and confronts him about his overbearing behavior, asserting his love for Pam and his commitment to their relationship. Jack, impressed by Greg’s sincerity and determination, reluctantly accepts him as part of the family.
In the end, Greg and Pam’s engagement is celebrated with the blessing of her parents, and the couple looks forward to a future together, despite the rocky start. Greg learns valuable lessons about honesty, integrity, and the importance of staying true to oneself, while Jack comes to appreciate Greg’s genuine intentions and good-hearted nature.
“Meet the Parents” is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy that explores the trials and tribulations of family dynamics and the lengths we go to for love and acceptance. With its memorable characters, sharp wit, and relatable themes, the film resonates with audiences of all ages and continues to be cherished as a modern classic.