The In-Laws

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The In-Laws

PG

1979

1h 43m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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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

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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

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

An ungainly blend of Monty Python, The Goldbergs, and My Favorite Spy.

Jan 1, 2000

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

11/28/24

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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

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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

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Alec B

The screenplay could easily have been a little tighter but Falk and Arkin are terrifically cast and the weirder the movie gets the better it is, especially in the final act.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/10/24

Full Review

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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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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
Production Co: Warner Bros.
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 2, 2013
Runtime: 1h 43m

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