The In-Laws
The In-Laws

The In-Laws

1979Movie103 minEnglish

In preparation for his daughter's wedding, dentist Sheldon Kornpett meets Vince Ricardo, the groom's father. Vince, a manic fellow who claims to be a government agent, then proceeds to drag Sheldon into a series of chases and misadventures from New York to Central America.

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Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes89%
Google Users84%
Director: Arthur HillerGenres: Comedy, Action

Plot Summary

A mild-mannered dentist is drawn into a world of espionage and adventure when he discovers his daughter's future father-in-law is a CIA agent involved in a dangerous mission. The unlikely pair must navigate a series of escalating, bizarre, and life-threatening situations as they try to complete the mission and survive the ordeal. Their differing personalities clash hilariously amidst the chaos of international intrigue.

Critical Reception

The In-Laws was a surprise critical and commercial hit, lauded for its sharp writing, the comedic chemistry between its leads, and its unique blend of spy thriller elements with outright farce. It has since become a cult classic, remembered fondly for its quotable lines and absurd scenarios.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the superb comedic timing and chemistry between Peter Falk and Alan Arkin.
  • Celebrated for its clever dialogue and a fun, twist-filled spy plot that devolves into delightful absurdity.
  • Considered a standout comedy of its era, offering a perfect balance of suspense and laughter.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciate the film's humor and the engaging performances of the lead actors, finding it a consistently funny and entertaining watch with memorable moments and a unique premise.

Fun Fact

The iconic line, "Serpentine, beautiful, serpentine!" was improvised by Peter Falk during a scene where he was trying to teach Alan Arkin's character how to move evasively.

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