Relative Strangers (2006)

to this day, when my kids see a cheese ball at the store or on a cooking show, wherever, they say " I made it with my own 2 feet" and They do some Danny Devito bits too. It is a simply hilarious movie. With a refreshing "humble thyself" message that can hit home when you have a challenging family, which everyone does in some form or fashion. Kathy Bates and Danny D are perfect. Scoot! Blackfoot! Rugs:) ..cut ya a deal. Watch it with your kids. Believe me they will appreciate your sanity compared with having parents like these, both sets. Cringing awkwardness in places. The scene at Livingston's snobby parents house is classic. Yentl! Mother Juggs and Speed! The rating on this must be because some uptight a-holes rated it or not enough people have seen it. See It!

Dr. Richard Clayton (Ron Livingston) seems to be living the perfect life. He is a successful psychologist-turned-writer and his latest book on anger management is doing well. In addition, he is engaged to a beautiful, kind lady, Ellen (Neve Campbell) and they share a lovely home. But one day his disgruntled, slacker brother drops the A-bomb, that is, he informs his bro that he, Richard, is the adopted sibling of the family. Richie's snobby parents (Edward Hermann and Christine Baranski) concede that it is true but that it made no difference in their love for him or his brother. Yet, Richard is stunned and suddenly curious. At Ellen's urging, he begins a search for his birth parents. Soon after, Frank (Danny DeVito) and Agnes Menure (Kathy Bates) arrive on the doc's doorstep and announce that they are his true father and mother. It is a shock, as the Menures are ex-carnies, live in a trailer park, and sell pest control products to support themselves. And, while they are lively, interesting folks, Frank and Agnes are definitely a bit uncouth as it were. Richard is forelorn and his unhappiness grows each day the Menures extend their visit to Richie's home. Can they all really belong to the same gene pool? This is a funny film, distinctively enhanced by the terrific cast. Livingston is just right as the confused, disgruntled doctor while Campbell is lovely and sweet as the supportive fiancé. As for DeVito and Bates, they chew up the screen with their humorous, outrageous turns as the far-from-refined folks who, nevertheless, may have bigger hearts than most. All of the niceties of film-making, from costumes to sets to camera work, are first rate, too. If you are looking for mirth on an upcoming film night, give this one a whirl. It is definitely no stranger to comedy, as a viewing will result in big smiles for everyone.

A 10 for a comedy. Yes a wonderfully delightful film. Danny DiVito and Kathy Bates were fantastic. It was a movie that took a wonderful look at the snobs in this world and how in reality most of us have people in our families that are more like the Manure's. I sure do, and yes sometimes I am a little embarrassed. But when i comes down to it. They are the genuine most loving people and the ones that truly stand by you. I can not believe how wonderful Kathy Bates was and what an actress she is that she can do so many different parts. What a hoot she is. I had a bunch of people over and we watched this video and we went out of our minds laughing and I have not had a laugh like this in a long time and did it ever feel good. I do not know why this was not out in the theaters more. They should run it again through the theaters. I have got to say it was wonderful and a truly must see film. Neve Cambell and Ron Livingston were sweet but it was really the rest of the cast that stole the show and I mean they stole it. I do not know who these ones that gave it a bad review are but, then again I saw lots of great reviews for "For Your Consideration" and that one hardly had a chuckle. And Beverly D'Angelo I did not even know who she was, and she was great. So was Christine Baranski, and this time she was so good with just letting you know with her facial expressions.

Why are the others who have reviewed this movie critically blaming the actors? It's a top notch cast. Honestly, whoever produced and edited this movie is to blame if it's not more popular. Obviously the actors must have seen something good in the script for all of them to accept their parts they played. To me, this movie was not a disappointment as others have commented. It's silly, yes. Goofy, yeah. To me, if it was produced a bit better, and the editing done a bit better I would have definitely given it at least a 7 out of 10. I watched this movie mostly because I just adore Ron Livingston. Even playing a straight-man character he's very funny. I hope this gets released in the U.S. at least on DVD because with it's cast it is well worth the watch.