The In-Laws Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A foot doctor’s life implodes when he realizes his future in-law is basically James Bond, leading to wedding chaos and international espionage.

🍿 The In-Laws: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Jerry and Melissa Peyser

Jerry Peyser, a neurotic podiatrist, is preparing for his daughter Melissa’s extravagant wedding. He’s meticulously planned every detail, much to Melissa’s chagrin, as she envisioned a simpler affair. Jerry’s anxiety is heightened by the fact that he hasn’t yet met Steve Tobias, the father of the groom, Mark, who always seems to miss family events.

The Mysterious Steve Tobias

Steve Tobias finally meets the Peysers, but their dinner is quickly revealed to be an undercover operation. Steve is a CIA agent working to sell a Russian submarine to a French arms dealer, Jean-Pierre Thibodoux, as a front to gather intelligence. Jerry accidentally overhears the deal, pulling him into Steve’s dangerous world.

Jerry’s Accidental Involvement

Jerry becomes increasingly suspicious of Steve, especially when the FBI starts pursuing Steve, believing him to be a rogue agent. Jerry’s doubts escalate, threatening the wedding and his own safety. He finds himself caught between believing in Steve or running for cover, making the situation increasingly chaotic.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jerry Peyser (Albert Brooks): A mild-mannered and neurotic podiatrist who gets unwillingly embroiled in his future son-in-law’s father’s dangerous CIA mission.
• Steve Tobias (Michael Douglas): A freewheeling and secretive CIA agent whose dangerous lifestyle clashes with the conservative nature of his son’s future in-laws.
• Mark Tobias (Ryan Reynolds): The groom-to-be who is aware of his father’s real profession and tries to bridge the gap between his families.
• Melissa Peyser (Lindsay Sloane): The bride-to-be whose wedding plans are thrown into chaos by the antics of her future father-in-law.
• Angela Harris (Robin Tunney): Steve’s capable but underappreciated CIA junior partner, who secretly works against him.
• Jean-Pierre Thibodoux (David Suchet): A flamboyant and dangerous French arms dealer who becomes entangled with Steve and Jerry.
• Katherine Peyser (Maria Ricossa): Jerry’s wife and Melissa’s mother, who tries to maintain order amidst the escalating chaos surrounding the wedding.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Steve Tobias: “This wedding is going to be as normal as butter on mashed potatoes.” – Said by Steve to reassure everyone, but in reality, he knows it will be anything but normal.
• Jean-Pierre Thibodoux: “I am not gay, I am French!” – Jean-Pierre emphatically denies any homosexual tendencies when Steve suggests Jerry might be his type.
• Steve Tobias: “Just act natural, Jerry. Like you kill people for a living.” – Steve tries to coach Jerry on how to act like a dangerous assassin in front of a French arms dealer.
• Jerry Peyser: “Did you give me a roofie?” – Jerry asks Steve, fearing he’s been drugged after experiencing increasingly bizarre events.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $20,453,431
• Worldwide Gross: $26,891,849

💥 The In-Laws Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie years ago and finding it hilarious. Albert Brooks’s anxiety is contagious, and Michael Douglas plays the suave spy perfectly. The scene where they jump off the building with a parachute is still one of my favorites. It’s a fun, lighthearted comedy that’s perfect for a casual movie night. I really enjoyed David Suchet as the gay arms dealer. He was excellent and very funny.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of buddy comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy spy spoofs”
  • “Fans of Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks”
  • “Audiences looking for lighthearted entertainment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Brief strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Soothsayer: “A new ‘odd couple’ is born with a spy-film twist. The pairing of Brooks and Douglas pays off tenfold. Brooks’ neurotic schtick gives his character such innocence. Douglas seems to have journeyed back to his Jack Colton character. The film also has some interesting uses of music in its soundtrack. ‘The In-Laws’ was such a surprise and is by far the funniest movie I have seen this year, thus far.
• User Review: “The In-Laws has some very nice moments and the stars work well together. The best performances are from David Suchet as the international arms trafficker and Candice Bergen as Douglas’s estranged wife. This version of The In-Laws is an amusing comedy, a worthy next century successor to the original.
• User Review: “There are absolutely no words to adequately describe just how truly awful this movie is. Whereas Peter Falk and Alan Arkin made a terrific onscreen team, Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks simply don’t have it. There just isn’t the same chemistry. One of the things that made me laugh so much at the original was Alan Arkin’s straight-man performance vs. Peter Falk’s “is-he-or-isn’t-he insane?” In this one, you’ll find nothing of the sort.

Audience Reactions

The over-the-top humor and the excellent chemistry between Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks made it a fun watch.: Many viewers appreciated the comedic dynamic between the two leads and found the movie entertaining.

Some reviewers compared the remake unfavorably to the original film.: Some viewers said the movie was not very funny.

Overall Consensus: While opinions are divided, many viewers enjoyed the movie for its humor and the performances of the lead actors, though some found it inferior to the original.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This film is a remake of the 1979 movie of the same name starring Peter Falk and Alan Arkin.”
• “Albert Brooks’s character, Jerry Peyser, is a podiatrist, whereas in the original film, the Alan Arkin character was a dentist.”
• “Several scenes were filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, standing in for locations like Chicago and France.”

🖥️ How to Watch The In-Laws?

The In-Laws (2003) is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. You can also find DVD and Blu-ray copies available for purchase online at retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The In-Laws, you might like these similar films:

• The In-Laws (1979): The original film that this movie remakes, with a similar plot but different comedic style.
• Meet the Parents (2000): Features a similar theme of family dynamics and comedic mishaps surrounding the meeting of in-laws.
• Analyze This (1999): A comedy about a mob boss who seeks therapy from a psychiatrist, creating humorous situations and unexpected bonds.
• Real Men (1987): A quirky comedy where a mild-mannered insurance salesman gets caught up in espionage with a secret agent.

🛒 The In-Laws Related Products

• The In-Laws (1979) [Blu-ray]: Experience the original spy comedy classic with Peter Falk and Alan Arkin, featuring sharp wit and memorable performances. Enjoy the story that inspired the remake.
• Espionage Board Game: A strategic board game where players act as spies, completing missions, gathering intel, and outmaneuvering opponents. Perfect for game nights with friends and family who enjoy spy themes.
• CIA Challenge Coin: A commemorative CIA challenge coin, a symbol of honor and dedication, ideal for collectors and fans of espionage history. A piece of history and a great conversation starter.
• In-Laws Movie Poster: In-Laws The (2003) – Size: 27 x 40

🎧 Soundtrack

The In-Laws features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Live and Let Die” – performed by Paul McCartney (Cover)
• “Nowhere to Run” – performed by Klaus Badelt
• “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” – performed by B.J. Thomas

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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