The Heartbreak Kid (2007), directed by the Farrelly Brothers, is a romantic-comedy remake of the 1972 film of the same name. With its edgy humor, chaotic relationships, and Ben Stiller’s signature awkward charm, the movie explores the disasters that unfold when a man rushes into marriage… and instantly realizes he made a colossal mistake.
Detailed Summary
Eddie’s Growing Panic Before Marriage
Eddie Cantrow (Ben Stiller) is a 40-year-old sporting-goods store owner who feels increasingly pressured to settle down. After a chance encounter with the seemingly perfect Lila (Malin Åkerman), he falls hard and fast. When Lila faces financial troubles and risks moving away, Eddie impulsively proposes, believing he’s finally found “the one.”
But even on the drive to their honeymoon in Mexico, Eddie sees tiny red flags turning into full-blown warnings, from Lila’s disturbing singing voice to her aggressive lovemaking style.
The Honeymoon From Hell
Once they arrive in Mexico, Eddie realizes Lila is nothing like the woman he thought he married. She’s irresponsible with money, has a shockingly high sex drive that leaves Eddie in physical pain, uses cocaine, and reveals a troubled financial past she hid from him. Eddie begins to lose interest in her almost instantly.
Eddie Meets Miranda
While Lila is stuck inside recovering from sunburn, Eddie meets Miranda (Michelle Monaghan), a genuinely kind and down-to-earth woman vacationing with her family. Eddie is instantly attracted to her and starts spending more time with her, lying about being married.
Their chemistry grows quickly, and Eddie starts fantasizing about leaving Lila for Miranda.
The Web of Lies
Eddie juggles two women in the same resort, creating increasingly ridiculous lies to keep his double life hidden. The Farrelly Brothers lean heavily into cringe-comedy here, presenting Eddie as a man whose impulsive choices have spiraled far beyond his control.
Movie Ending
In the final act, Eddie’s lies collapse.
Miranda learns the truth about Lila and feels deeply betrayed, cutting ties with Eddie. Devastated but determined, Eddie returns to the U.S. months later, hoping to win her back. He finds out that Miranda has moved on and is living with a new boyfriend.
Eddie still doesn’t give up. He travels to Mississippi and sneaks onto her property, only to get caught by police and chased off. Miranda refuses to speak to him, making it clear that he ruined any chance they might have had.
The film jumps one year later. Eddie is living in Mexico, trying to rebuild his life. He unexpectedly bumps into Miranda, who is now divorced. Eddie believes this is fate giving him a second chance.
But then comes the final punchline.
Miranda asks Eddie if he’s married, and he lies again, saying he’s not. At that exact moment, Eva Longoria’s character appears and asks Eddie a clearly married-couple question, exposing him instantly. Miranda walks away in disgust once more.
The movie’s main message is clear: Eddie hasn’t learned a single thing.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. There are no post-credits scenes in The Heartbreak Kid (2007). Once the main story ends, that’s it.
Type of Movie
This is a romantic comedy with strong elements of farce and cringe humor, leaning heavily on awkward, adult-oriented comedy typical of the Farrelly Brothers.
Cast
- Ben Stiller as Eddie Cantrow
- Michelle Monaghan as Miranda
- Malin Åkerman as Lila
- Jerry Stiller as Doc
- Carlos Mencia as Uncle Tito
- Rob Corddry as Mac
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack is a mix of contemporary pop, soft rock, and comedic cues, fitting the light-hearted yet chaotic tone of the movie. The score was composed by Chad Fischer, known for his work on character-driven comedies.
Filming Locations and Their Importance
The film was shot primarily in:
- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – used heavily for the honeymoon resort settings. The luxurious and colorful backdrop contrasts with Eddie’s personal misery, adding a comedic visual irony.
- San Francisco, USA – Eddie’s hometown, grounding the film in a realistic urban environment before the tropical chaos.
The Mexican location is especially important because it places the characters in an isolated environment where Eddie’s mistakes have nowhere to hide.
Awards and Nominations
While The Heartbreak Kid didn’t win major awards, it did receive attention in comedy-focused events and gained recognition for its performances. It mostly lives on through its cult following and notoriety rather than accolades.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Ben Stiller reunited with the Farrelly Brothers for the first time since There’s Something About Mary.
- Malin Åkerman performed several physical comedy scenes without stunt doubles.
- Many resort scenes were shot during real tourist seasons, making crowd control a challenge.
- The Farrelly Brothers encouraged a lot of improvisation, especially in scenes involving awkward humor.
- Michelle Monaghan stated the cast had trouble keeping straight faces during several takes.
Inspirations and References
The film is based on the 1972 movie (directed by Elaine May), which itself was adapted from a short story called A Change of Heart by Bruce Jay Friedman.
This remake shifts the tone significantly, opting for broader, more exaggerated comedy compared to the subtle satire of the original.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Several alternate comic sequences were shot for the honeymoon portion but cut because they slowed pacing.
- An extended ending existed where Eddie makes multiple attempts to win Miranda back, but it was trimmed to keep the film under two hours.
- A darker alternate ending tested poorly with audiences, so the comedic version was chosen instead.
Book Adaptation and Differences
Since the story comes from a short story, not a full novel, the film expands the plot significantly.
Major differences:
- Eddie is more flawed and childish in the 2007 version.
- Lila is exaggerated for comedic effect, unlike the more grounded original.
- The ending of the 1972 version is more cynical and less slapstick.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Eddie discovering Lila’s aggressive singing in the car.
- The painful athletic-sex montage.
- Lila’s sunburn scene where she looks horrifying yet completely unaware.
- Eddie juggling dinner dates with both Lila and Miranda in the same resort.
- The final confrontation when Miranda discovers Eddie lied again.
Iconic Quotes
- “You married a hurricane, buddy.” – Uncle Tito
- “I’m not used to this much… enthusiasm.” – Eddie
- “You said you weren’t married!” – Miranda
- “We’re on our honeymoon, Eddie! What is wrong with you?” – Lila
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Jerry Stiller (Doc) is Ben Stiller’s real-life father.
- Several Farrelly-Brothers-regular actors appear in cameo roles.
- Eddie’s sporting goods shop features brands seen in other Farrelly films.
- The green “honeymoon sunscreen bottle” is a prop reference used in Stuck on You (2003).
Trivia
- Ben Stiller initially hesitated to take the role due to the script’s raunchiness.
- Malin Åkerman’s sunburn makeup took several hours to apply.
- The original title during early production was “The Honeymoon Disaster.”
- The film opened against The Kingdom and Dan in Real Life, affecting box office performance.
Why Watch?
Because it’s a chaotic, fast-paced comedy that showcases how quickly a “perfect relationship” can collapse. If you enjoy awkward humor, rom-com disasters, and Ben Stiller doing what he does best, this is worth watching. It also offers a more outrageous, modern twist on a classic story.
Director’s Other Movies
- Dumb and Dumber (1994)
- Kingpin (1996)
- There’s Something About Mary (1998)
- Shallow Hal (2001)
- Stuck on You (2003)
- Hall Pass (2011)
- The Three Stooges (2012)
Recommended Films for Fans
- There’s Something About Mary (1998)
- Meet the Parents (2000)
- Along Came Polly (2004)
- The Heartbreak Kid (1972) – original
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
- Just Go With It (2011)
- The Break-Up (2006)
