Writer-director David O. Russell follows up his dark independent comedy SPANKING THE MONKEY with this hilarious romp about a man who goes on a quest to find his biological parents. Mel Coplin (Ben Stiller), a new father, is convinced that he won't be able to give his son a name until he reunites with his real mother and father. So Mel, his depressed, neglected wife, Nancy (Patricia Arquette), and a sexy adoption consultant named Tina (Tea Leoni) set out to find them. By the time they reach the New Mexico home of Mel's true parents (Alan Alda and Lily Tomlin)--two laid-back hippie scientists who are in the LSD business--Mel's marriage appears to be completely demolished. But the wackiness doesn't end there, since his neurotic, overbearing adoptive parents (George Segal and Mary Tyler Moore) arrive just in time to add even greater confusion to the mix.

Russell assembles a cast who have contributed greatly to the development of American screen comedy, and they throw themselves into their roles with great fervor. Commenting on identity, sexual and cultural prejudice, and the convention of marriage, Russell's script is a farcical laugh-fest that is at once intelligent, fast-paced, and witty. His assured, grounded direction makes FLIRTING WITH DISASTER's humor all the more outrageous and hysterical.

Trying to fill a void in his otherwise perfectly satisfying life, a young man and his wife embark on a raucous cross-country journey to find his birth parents. Accompanied by a seductive, overly attentive adoption counselor and trailed by his jealous adoptive guardians, he finally meets up with his free-spirited biological parents--and the fun really begins. Featuring standout performances by an all-star cast--most notably Mary Tyler Moore and Lily Tomlin--FLIRTING WITH DISASTER is a road trip unlike any other.

Released theatrically in the U.S. on March 22, 1996.

"I want you to consider my age and ask yourself how I maintain this."--Mrs. Coplin (Mary Tyler Moore), lifting her sweater to demonstrate the advantage of wearing a good bra

"It's all right, we'll try it again when he turns 65...Provided he lives that long. And you're not busy."--Mrs. Coplin to Mel Coplin (Ben Stiller), who has missed his father's 60th-birthday celebration

"This woman strikes me as very dangerous."--Mrs. Coplin, regarding Tina Kalb (Tea Leoni)

"Thanks for the jacket! Sorry about the mace!"--Mel Coplin to the young Christian he accidentally sprayed

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Additional Release Material:
Featurettes - 1. Deleted Scenes
2. Outtakes
3. FLIRTING WITH DISASTER Original Featurette

Distributor Notes: Flirting With Disaster

Written and directed by David O. Russell (THREE KINGS, SPANKING THE MONKEY), this hysterically original comedy was cheered by critics and audiences nationwide. In a quest to find his biological parents, Mel Coplin (Ben Stiller, DUPLEX, MEET THE PARENTS) -- joined by his wife (Patricia Arquette, HUMAN NATURE, HOLES), and a sexy adoption counselor (Tea Leoni, PEOPLE I KNOW, HOLLYWOOD ENDING ) -- embarks on a cross country search for his "roots." Yet as he careens from one outrageous situation to another, Mel finds himself tempted by the seductive counselor -- even as his wife starts a flirtation of her own! By the time they meet up with his free-spirited birth parents, the whole situation is spinning hysterically out of control! Also starring Mary Tyler Moore, Alan Alda, and Lily Tomlin, this hilarious hit is sure to entertain everyone!

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Ben Stiller: American Director/Actor, MEET THE PARENTS (2000)
Patricia Arquette: American Actress; MEDIUM
Téa Leoni: Actress, BAD BOYS, DEEP IMPACT
Mary Tyler Moore: American TV/Film Actress
George Segal: American Actor/Banjo Player, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF
Alan Alda: American Actor/Director
Lily Tomlin: American Actress/Comedienne
Richard Jenkins: American actor
Josh Brolin: American Actor

David O. Russell: Screenwriter/Director

David O. Russell: Screenwriter/Director

Stephen Endelman: Score composer

Christopher Tellefsen: Editor, A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS (2006)

"...A lumpy-bumpy road comedy in which expectations are constantly, and hilariously, deflated....Hang on and prepare to laugh continually..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars
"...Top-drawer cast....One of the ha-ha funniest movies currently [available]..." -- Rating: B
"...A diabolically clever satire....Bracing and original....The laughs fly thick and fast..."
"...A beautifully balanced, frenetic comedy about searching for love in too many places, FLIRTING thrusts you into a sexy, giddy maelstrom of confusion, mischance and misadventure that gets funnier and funnier as it goes along..."
"...[A] very funny film..."