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The In-Laws

Play trailer Poster for The In-Laws PG 1979 1h 43m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 28 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Mild-mannered dentist Sheldon Kornpett (Alan Arkin) is uncomfortable with his daughter's marriage after meeting her future father-in-law, Vincent Ricardo (Peter Falk). Over dinner, Vince tells Sheldon about several of his intercontinental exploits, and Sheldon is concerned that Vince is not altogether what he seems. His suspicions are confirmed when Vince reveals that he's actually a CIA agent investigating an international counterfeiting plot, and that he will need Sheldon's help.
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The In-Laws

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Critics Consensus

Fueled by inspired casting, The In-Laws is an odd couple comedy whose clever premise is ably supported by a very funny script.

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Critics Reviews

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Trevor Johnston Time Out A formula comedy raised to heights of hilarity by the kind of off-beam lunacy which probably wouldn't get past the studio suits these days. Feb 9, 2006 Full Review Janet Maslin New York Times Andrew Bergman has written one of those rare comedy scripts that escalates steadily and hilariously, without faltering or even having to strain for an ending. May 9, 2005 Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader An ungainly blend of Monty Python, The Goldbergs, and My Favorite Spy. Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy A clever premise, a witty script, two beautifully matched lead actors in Peter Falk and Alan Arkin, and a supporting performer who almost makes off with the picture like a bandit in the night. Rated: 3.5/4 Jul 11, 2023 Full Review Peter Martin EverythingButHorror.com Even better, the film is better than I remembered, and all the jokes are still funny. Andrew Bergman is a great writer. Alan Arkin and Peter Falk are superb actors. Arthur Hiller is a better director than I realized. Jul 3, 2023 Full Review Tom Meek Cambridge Day An apex odd-couple comedy powered by Falk's dry delivery, with just the right arch of the eyebrow. Rated: 3/4 Jul 8, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen C Funny in 1 hour and 43 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In memory of Peter Michael Falk (September 16th, 1927-June 23rd, 2011)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/03/25 Full Review Frank S One of those zany comedies. An absolute gem. Peter Falk, and Alan Arkin are at the top of their game. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/31/25 Full Review CodyZamboni Z Amusing, High energy, The two leads make this movie watchable. But the situations get so wacky, that by the end, the movie teeters on so much unbelievability, it ruins alot of the fun. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/24/24 Full Review Rob A One of the very best comedies ever made, this classic stands the test of time. Falk and Arkin are fantastic. PS Beware the tremendous beuracracy in the jungle - specifically the Guacamole Act of 1917! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/24/25 Full Review Audience Member Great script Great lead duo in Arkin and Falk Great direction Nonstop Laughs Timeless classic comedy= PERFECTION Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/15/24 Full Review Audience Member Without a doubt, the greatest comedy in cinematic history. Absolutely brilliant. Perfectly casted. The dynamic between Alan Arkin & Peter Falk in this film best any film duo that has ever been. Falk plays a fantastic dreamer that ‘possibly’ works for the CIA and Arkin is a dentist from New Jersey whose daughter is marrying Falk’s son. The question is, can the two father in-laws make it to the wedding while being perused by the FBI, the mafia and a corrupt foreign government cartel? This movie will never be dated. A must see!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/13/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The In-Laws

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Cast & Crew

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Arthur Hiller

Director

Peter Falk

Vince Ricardo

Alan Arkin

Sheldon Kornpett

Richard Libertini

General Garcia

Nancy Dussault

Carol Kornpett

Penny Peyser

Barbara Kornpett

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The In-Laws

The In-Laws (1979) The In-Laws (1979) The In-Laws (1979) The In-Laws (1979) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Mild-mannered dentist Sheldon Kornpett (Alan Arkin) is uncomfortable with his daughter's marriage after meeting her future father-in-law, Vincent Ricardo (Peter Falk). Over dinner, Vince tells Sheldon about several of his intercontinental exploits, and Sheldon is concerned that Vince is not altogether what he seems. His suspicions are confirmed when Vince reveals that he's actually a CIA agent investigating an international counterfeiting plot, and that he will need Sheldon's help.
Director
Arthur Hiller
Producer
Arthur Hiller, William Sackheim
Screenwriter
Andrew Bergman
Production Co
Warner Bros.
Rating
PG
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 2, 2013
Runtime
1h 43m
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