Weitz to Guide “Little Fockers”

Oh joy, they’re back (most of them). 

According to Variety, Paul Weitz is in talks to direct “Little Fockers,” the follow-up to the popular ”Meet the Parents” and “Meet the Fockers.” Returning cast members include Robert DeNiro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Blythe Danner and Teri Polo.

I won’t insult your intelligence by writing anything about the plot of this movie; I think it’s pretty self-evident. So on to Mr. Weitz–he’s getting the gig after Jay Roach, who handled the first two films, passed on the third. Roach will just produce this time. Pete Segal was rumored to be the choice, but appparently that was really just a rumor.

I always liked Weitz for his work on “In Good Company.” Also, his mother is Susan Kohner, an actress who cut her career short in the 1950s to concentrate on her family, but not before turning in a most memorable performance in “Imitation of Life.” “Fockers” is pretty slight, and personally I think the story’s played out, but hey, if it pays the bills, go for it.

Weitz just finished directing “Cirque du Freak,” an adaptation of the popular kids’ book by Darren Shan. After “Fockers,” Weitz will direct his own adaptation of Nick Flynn’s book “Another Bullshit Night in Suck City.” De Niro and Casey Affleck are starring. The pic has been “a passion project for Weitz.” Does that translate into “I am doing Fockers to make money for the art movie I really want to make”?