The In-Laws Movie Review

Falk and Arkin are a delight to watch

by Simon Crust
Movies & TV Shows Review

The In-Laws Movie Review
There's no reason to shoot at me, I'm a dentist

The In-Laws has quite the pedigree. Starring Peter Falk and Alan Arkin, written by Andrew Bergman and directed by Arthur Hiller, who together bring a ‘screw-ball’ comedy to life. The plot about stealing dollar bill printing plates by an ex-CIA agent to thwart a plan by a Southern American dictator to destabilise the west is largely incidental to the chemistry displayed by the two main leads and the frantic pace given to the direction. Falk and Arkin are a delight to watch; their banter together showcases terrific comic timing with Falk’s calming tones juxtaposed to Arkin’s hysterical exclamations.

And it is all held together by Hiller’s exquisite direction; as each set piece becomes ever more elaborate and wild, the skilful director handles his actors and the pace with such effortless flamboyance the audience is quickly swept away. Little wonder it was so well received upon its initial release. (We won’t even mention the remake). The script from Blazing Saddles writer Bergman pit’s our two hapless heroes against near insurmountable odds, but always with a twinkle in the eye and a tongue firmly in its cheek – there is slap-stick, wit and charm in a genre that is seldom seen today.

Scores

Verdict

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7

7
AVForumsSCORE
OUT OF
10

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