The In-Laws (1979)

Straight and narrow New York Dentist Sheldon Kornpett (Alan Arkin)is reaching an exciting time in his life. It the upcoming wedding of his pride and joy daughter Barbara to Tommy Ricardo.Tommy has parents and it's not so much about Tommy but it's the IN-LAWS. Mainly Tommy's eccentric off the wall seat of his pants C.I.A. government agent Father Vince (Peter Falk). Vince after meeting the Kornpett's for the first time at their home goes off to their basement. Plants some evidence in the Kornpett"s basement. The next day Mrs Kornpett discovers the piece of evidence and calls in the government agents. That same day Vince interrupts our Dentist during his busy time,(office filled with patience's) and asks him for a small favor if he could leave his office for a few minutes, break into his office and retrieve something. One thing leads to another and the two are off and running. They drive around a Manhattan as thugs or counterspies chase them. When the two Vince and Shel find out that his home is swarming with agents wanting some answers it's off to Titerboro airport. Just a thought, Vince reminds me of a pushy classmate who makes you do stuff you wouldn't normally attempt. Vince is so matter-of-fact and is never phased by any anything that is thrown his way. Next it's off on a private jet with friendly Asian crew and plenty of magazines. Shel and piloted by Vince fly to some off the map Latin country where their national flag is that of a Naked woman. Our Dentist is overwhelmed and inconsolable and wondering how he ever got mixed up with this so call agent who has a knack for criminal tendencies. Upon their arrival,things go from bad to worse as the two are being shot at by Nationals on the tarmac as Vince suggests that Sheldon serpentine to avoid the onslaught of bullets.They get a room at a downtown fleabag hotel. Vince claims, "You've done enough Sheldon and I really appreciate that so wait here and I'll go off to meet the Dictator by myself." Sheldon has a bad feeling and comes along anyway. Next our two meet the dictator/Presidente of the country and have a nice lunch as Sheldon asked, "The food is exquisite, "Can I get the recipe?" Unfortunately Sheldon and Vince can't share the gourmet fare because after dessert it's off to the firing squad for execution. This all reads bad on paper but it's all laughs from start to finish. Will the father of the bride make the wedding in time. Will the father of the groom think of a way out. No matter what decision is made it's all comedy.

Considering all the rave reviews, one would think this movie was something special. I found the film typical Hollywood garbage, incredibly bad on all levels, from a preposterous script to bad casting and unbearable acting (especially by Peter Falk). There is little sense of comic timing and most of the humor attempted is typical Jewish stick, which Arkin overdoes. So why is a dentist in N>Y> living in a mansion that looks like San Simeon, why would he run off on various errands for his imbecilic future in law when he knows hes nuts, and the list goes on. Its not enough to say that this is the point of the film, or some other idiotic rationalization. A good comedy must have some sense of reality to play off, must have an intelligent script, and must have some pathos underlying the comedy. This film, in the inglorious American movie tradition of the last 40 years (with a few exceptions: My Cousin Vinny, Tootsie)is predictably stupid and unfunny unless you believe the zenith of comedy is Neil Simon or Woody Allen. I gave the film one star for some of Arkin's deadpan and another for the possibility the film got better after I turned it off.

Arthur Hiller directed this funny comedy that stars Alan Arkin as Sheldon Kornpett, a successful dentist whose daughter is about to get married. The groom's father Vince Ricardo(played by Peter Falk) is cagey about his profession, but shortly before the wedding, he comes to see Sheldon at work requesting his assistance in a job related matter that escalates into a shootout and chase, where they find themselves on the run from New York City to Central America, where they become involved with a wacky dictator(played by Richard Libertini) who wants them shot... Wild and unpredictable comedy is surprisingly good, with two memorable lead performances, and a most original script.

It's hilarious. A successful NYC dentist (Alan Arkin) whose daughter is about to marry the son of a lunatic CIA agent (Peter Falk). The high-strung Arkin goes from neurotic to completely insane as Falk gets him into one pre-marital predicament after another. They end up on the run from a lot of face-less goons all the way to Central America. This isn't as much a buddy film as it is an antagonist film. Arkin & Falk have great chemistry and they're both hysterical (interestingly, there is no straight man). Directed with a lot of finesse by Arthur Hiller from a very clever script by Andrew Bergman. The supporting cast is excellent and features Richard Libertini, Ed Begley Jr., Nancy Dussault, and Arlene Golonka. The fun music score by Mel Brooks' regular John Morris adds a lot.