That's My Boy is a 2012 comedy film that was directed by Sean Anders and starred Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg. Produced by Happy Madison Productions, the film is considered one of Sandler's more scandalous and zany projects, rather far from his earlier humane comedies. This one features a heavy dash of the raunchy humor style of The Hangover series, going far in redefining the limits of conventional storytelling in mainstream comedy.
The film narrates the absurd relationship between a dysfunctional father, Donny Berger (remember Sandler), and his estranged son, Todd Peterson (Samberg). Donny became a sort of celebrity for having an affair with his teacher back in middle-school, which resulted in Todd's birth. Jump forward a couple of decades: Donny, in utter ruin, tries to reconnect with Todd in a last-ditch attempt to save himself from legal trouble.
That, My Boy was met with mixed-to-negative reviews from the critics for gross-out humor and bizarre themes, but over the years it gained a sort of cult following for those who admired its brash type of comedy. Released at the peak of Sandler's reign over comedy cinema, the movie remains a polarizing talking point in his filmography.
Plot Summary
That’s My Boy opens in a flashback to the 1980s, where teenage Donny Berger (Justin Weaver) becomes an instant local legend after having a scandalous affair with his teacher, Mary McGarricle (Eva Amurri). The affair brings Mary to jail and causes her to give birth to Donny's son, Han Solo Berger, later changing his name to Todd Peterson to shake off the mayhem that followed. He was raised by Donny until he turned 18, after which he moved as far away from his negligent father as he could and built a successful life in finance.
The main plot unfolds years later when Donny (Adam Sandler), now a washed-up alcoholic neck-deep in debt with legal troubles looming overhead, finds himself with a huge tax debt of $43,000. With money evaporating fast, Donny hatches an elaborate plan to explode into Todd's (Andy Samberg's) wedding to fiancée Jamie (Leighton Meester), hoping to convince Todd to do a television pay-per-view reunion with his estranged mother, Mary, who remains behind bars.
Todd, painfully ashamed of his background, initially lies to Jamie saying that his family has been killed. When Donny crashes Todd's extravagant pre-wedding weekend uninvited, all hell breaks loose. Donny acts like a punk and embarrasses Todd to the point that Jamie begins to find Todd annoying, while Donny unearths hidden truths in the couple's seemingly perfect relationship.
As Donny highlights Jamie's secret affair with Todd's boss Steve (Tony Orlando) to Todd's groomsmen and party guests, he eventually pushes Todd on to face his insecurities and confront his sordid upbringing instead of denying it. In the climax of the chaos, Todd calls off the wedding and publicly unveils Jamie's betrayal.
The film ends with Donny paying off his debts through gambling winnings and reuniting with Todd. Although crude, Donny turns out to be pleasantly lovable, teaching Todd the importance of self-acceptance and honesty.
Character Analysis
Donny Berger:
Donny is the loud, brash, and unapologetically reckless character that is Adam Sandler incarnate. Underneath the surface of Donny's obnoxious antics, there is an inner yearning to reconnect with his son. The growth he experiences within a redemptive father-son relationship differs from the normal canon of film relationships. Donny's chaotic persona is a critique of society's obsession with fame and scandal.
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Todd Peterson:
Andy Samberg's Todd is portrayed as an uptight nervous man who has spent his whole life trying to distance himself from the chaos of an equally deranged childhood. Todd's character arc depicts self-discovery and liberation from the shackles of the social framework. His metamorphosis from a stiff corporate man to someone who comes home to his real self is the primary storyline.
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Jamie:
Leighton Meester’s character, Jamie, initially appears as the perfect bride-to-be but is later revealed to be manipulative and deceitful. Her duplicity serves as a narrative device to challenge Todd’s perception of stability and happiness.
Supporting Cast:
Vanilla Ice makes a memorable appearance as a fictionalized version of himself, adding to the film's absurd humor. The groomsmen and other minor characters, though largely caricatures, contribute to the chaotic dynamic of the plot.
Themes and Messages
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Father-Son Relationships | Going into the convoluted relationship between parent and child, particularly between Donny and Todd, this scenario actually reflects the shortcomings of parental bonds. In this case, Donny, being a wreck, loves Todd-casts light on forgiveness and acceptance. |
| Societal Obsession with Fame | This scenario takes a satirical dig at America’s obsession with scandals and celebrity culture. Indeed, from teenage fatherhood to the notoriety of a scandalous relationship, Donny’s fame becomes a reference for analysis of media sensationalism. |
| Self-Acceptance | The main crux of the adventure is Todd's journey from repression to self-actualization-acknowledging his past, his faults, and his uniqueness instead of adhering to a million other rock-solid social pressures. |
| Marriage and Betrayal | Defamation and infidelity are exposed in Jamie's case, giving relationships a cautionary aspect regarding their dishonesty. The lesson embodies the importance of love rooted in honesty and respect. |
Cinematography and Direction
Sean Anders adopts an approach that captures the chaos and irreverence reflected in the film. Bright colors dominate wedding scenes, which speak to Todd's extravagance and ludicrousness of pre-wedding celebrations. The camera operates simply, allowing the humor of the antics to lead without being distracted by unnecessary visual effects.
The soundtrack consists of nostalgic 1980s rock hits that enhance the throwback look of the film. There is an amusing slow-motion presence during several comedic moments that intensifies the absurdity, especially during the party scenes.
There is little nuance in the direction; however, it works just fine with the outrageous comedy and semi-fast-paced storyline. The editing pushes the narrative quickly along, leaving little chance for boredom, even within the lengthy runtime.
Performances
Adam Sandler's performance as Donny Berger prompts a polarized response. His thick Boston accent and vulgar humor will surely turn off some people, but many will appreciate his commitment to portraying Donny's over-the-top personality. At times, he imparts a sincere credibility to the character, and thus, his range is acknowledged.
In stark opposition to Sandler's craziness is Andy Samberg, who plays the character of Todd in a straight-man style of impeccably timed restraint. The seemingly innocuous awkwardness and internal struggle of Todd that Samberg injects into his character lay the narrative structure.
Leighton Meester truly walks Jamie's thin line, from blushing bride-to-be to outright villain. Vanilla Ice's self-mocking performance stands out among the funniest, and, truly, the ice that carries the film.
Critical Reception
Controversial Opinions
FAQs
- Is That’s My Boy based on a true story?
The film is fictional, though based on common traits of raunchy comedies dealing with dysfunction in families.
- Who directed That’s My Boy?
Directed by noted comedy filmmaker Sean Anders, whose other works include Horrible Bosses 2.
- What is the main theme of the movie?
The film focuses on elements of father-son relationships, redemption, and self-acceptance while poking fun at society's preoccupation with scandal and fame.
- How did audiences react to the film?
There are mixed reactions. The critics hated it, while a section of the audience appreciated its brash humor and ludicrous premise.
- What was the movie’s box office performance?
The film was a commercial failure, grossing around $57 million against a budget estimate of $70 million.
- Is Adam Sandler’s character based on a real person?
Donny Berger is a contrivance of pure fiction employed to personify the movie's absurdist humor.
- Why did the film spark controversy?
Statutory rape as a comedic plot device has drawn the ire of many an audience member and critic.
- What role does Vanilla Ice play in the movie?
Vanilla Ice plays an amusing fictional version of himself, giving breath to some of the funniest moments the film sees.
- Is the movie suitable for all audiences?
It is an R-rated picture designed for adults due to its crude humor, sexual content, and language.
- Has the movie gained a cult following?
Yes, these days, That Your Boy will find a following among the cult of followers of outrageous comedies, despite its abysmal box-office showing.
The film is fictional, though based on common traits of raunchy comedies dealing with dysfunction in families.
Directed by noted comedy filmmaker Sean Anders, whose other works include Horrible Bosses 2.
The film focuses on elements of father-son relationships, redemption, and self-acceptance while poking fun at society's preoccupation with scandal and fame.
There are mixed reactions. The critics hated it, while a section of the audience appreciated its brash humor and ludicrous premise.
The film was a commercial failure, grossing around $57 million against a budget estimate of $70 million.
Donny Berger is a contrivance of pure fiction employed to personify the movie's absurdist humor.
Statutory rape as a comedic plot device has drawn the ire of many an audience member and critic.
Vanilla Ice plays an amusing fictional version of himself, giving breath to some of the funniest moments the film sees.
It is an R-rated picture designed for adults due to its crude humor, sexual content, and language.
Yes, these days, That Your Boy will find a following among the cult of followers of outrageous comedies, despite its abysmal box-office showing.