“Little Fockers,” directed by Paul Weitz, somehow manages to combine awkward family relationships and child rearing into one thrilling comedy. As the latest installment of the “Meet the Parents” franchise, this movie keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The movie begins with retired CIA agent Jack Byrnes’ (Robert De Niro) heart attack, which motivates him to appoint his son-in-law Gaylord “Greg” Focker (Ben Stiller) as head of the Byrnes family. As Greg’s wife, Pam Focker (Teri Polo), plans their twins’ birthday party, Greg starts working with sales representative Andi Garcia (Jessica Alba), prompting Jack to investigate the stability of his daughter’s marriage, or lack thereof.

Sex-obsessed couple Roz (Barbra Streisand) and Bernie Focker (Dustin Hoffman) bring most of the movie’s laughs, supported by Pam’s flirtatious ex-boyfriend Kevin (Owen Wilson).

Despite the exaggerated drama and cheap gags, like when Greg slices his finger and blood squirts around the room, the movie portrays  holiday family get-togethers with realism and warm sentiment, pulling at the audience’s heartstrings.

“Little Fockers” certainly helped the infamous series go out with a bang. Whether it was Jack and Greg fighting or Greg’s career as a nurse finally paying off for Jack, the father/son-in-law love-hate relationship makes the movie worthwhile.

“Little Fockers,” which topped the holiday box office with over $30 million, isn’t one to miss.