“Serpentine!” —Vince Ricardo
Today’s quick review: The In-Laws. With just days to go until his daughter’s wedding, mild-mannered dentist Sheldon Kornpett (Alan Arkin) finally meets the groom’s father: Vince Ricardo (Peter Falk), an affable man with a mysterious profession. Sheldon agrees to do Vince a favor and soon finds himself tangled in a web of international intrigue, Vince’s unwilling accomplice in an unsanctioned CIA operation to sell engravings stolen from the U.S. Mint.
The In-Laws is a spy comedy that pairs an ordinary family man with a shady consultant who may or may not be working for the CIA. Sheldon’s attempts to get to know Vince backfire spectacularly as he gets drawn into Vince’s dubious escapades. An inventive premise, sharp writing, and an excellent pair of leads make The In-Laws a light and thoroughly entertaining comedy. However, the film relies on a particular flavor of humor that not everyone will enjoy.
What makes The In-Laws shine is its leads. Peter Falk delivers a spectacular performance as Vince. His friendly personality, questionable competence, and casual approach to dangerous situations are exactly what the film needs to lure Sheldon in over his head. Alan Arkin delivers an equally outstanding performance as Sheldon, a sympathetic man whose increasingly frantic reactions to the chaos around him form the other half of the film’s comedy.
The In-Laws has the script to support its leads. The plot escalates from family dinner to international caper with surprising ease, carried along by a string of half-truths and not-so-reasonable requests from Vince. The jokes are clever, understated, and delivered with skill. The tone remains light in spite of the odd bit of theft or murder. The In-Laws hits the exact target it’s aiming for: wry comedy with deadpan delivery and a dash of adventure.
Try The In-Laws when you’re in the mood for something clever and light-hearted. Its likable leads and mirthful chaos make it a refreshing comedy for the right viewer. Skip it if you dislike Peter Falk or Alan Arkin, or if you prefer more modern varieties of comedy. For a modern take on the same premise, try the remake. For a crime comedy in a similar vein, try The Whole Nine Yards. For another spy comedy with Alan Arkin, try Get Smart.
7.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a charming premise and an excellent comedy duo.