The In-Laws Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dentist meets his daughter’s soon-to-be father-in-law who turns out to be either a crazy liar or a CIA agent, leading them on a wild goose chase involving stolen money plates, dictators, and a lot of screaming, culminating in a very expensive wedding.

🍿 The In-Laws: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting the In-Laws

Dr. Sheldon Kornpett, a mild-mannered dentist, prepares for his daughter’s wedding to Tommy Ricardo. He meets Tommy’s father, Vince, a seemingly manic and eccentric man, at a pre-wedding dinner. Vince tells outlandish stories of international business dealings, setting Sheldon on edge. Sheldon becomes increasingly suspicious of Vince’s behavior, finding him unreliable and potentially dangerous. He attempts to dissuade his daughter from marrying into the Ricardo family but is ultimately convinced to give Vince a chance.

The Errand and the Chase

Vince asks Sheldon for a ‘small favor’: to retrieve a bag from his office. Sheldon reluctantly agrees, only to find himself in a chaotic situation involving armed men and a daring escape. Vince reveals that he’s a rogue CIA agent involved in a scheme to stop a global inflation plot. Sheldon is now dragged into Vince’s world, complete with car chases, shootouts, and international intrigue. They become fugitives, pursued by both the Treasury Department and rogue elements.

Journey to Tijata

Vince convinces Sheldon that they must travel to Tijata, a small island nation, to meet with General Garcia, a key player in the inflation plot. Upon arrival, they face more danger and chaos, including sniper fire and the assassination of a contact. Sheldon tries to contact the US Embassy, but his efforts are thwarted by Vince, who claims the CIA is trying to mislead him. They become further entangled in the political turmoil of Tijata, leading to a confrontation with General Garcia.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vince Ricardo (Peter Falk): The groom’s father is a manic and mysterious man who claims to be a government agent involved in international intrigue.
• Dr. Sheldon Kornpett (Alan Arkin): The bride’s father is a mild-mannered dentist who gets unwillingly dragged into Vince’s dangerous escapades.
• General Garcia (Richard Libertini): A corrupt and eccentric Central American dictator involved in a conspiracy with the stolen printing plates.
• Carol Kornpett (Nancy Dussault): Sheldon’s wife is initially oblivious to the chaos unfolding around her, focusing on wedding preparations.
• Barry Lutz (Ed Begley Jr.): A CIA agent who initially seems to be pursuing Vince, but is later revealed to be working with him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vince Ricardo: “Serpentine, Shelly! Serpentine!” – Vince shouts this repeatedly to Shelly during a car chase to instruct him to dodge gunfire.
• Dr. Sheldon Kornpett: “You don’t have to shoot at me, I’m a dentist!” – Dr. Kornpett exclaims this in disbelief during a dangerous situation, highlighting his innocence and bewilderment.
• Vince Ricardo: “From here on in, it’s very cut and dry.” – Vince says this attempting to reassure Shelly, but things immediately become even more complicated and absurd.
• Dr. Sheldon Kornpett: “There are flames on my car!” – Shelly says this after his car is vandalized, underscoring the escalating absurdity of the situation he finds himself in.
• Vince Ricardo: “Is this coffee freeze-dried? It’s very good.” – Vince says this casually in the midst of chaos, highlighting his nonchalant and unpredictable character.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $26,600,000
• Worldwide Gross: $26,600,000

💥 The In-Laws Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adore this movie! The first time I saw it, I couldn’t stop laughing. Peter Falk is just brilliant, and Alan Arkin’s reactions to the craziness around him are priceless. The ‘Serpentine!’ scene alone is worth the price of admission. It’s a film that never gets old, and I always recommend it to friends who need a good laugh. The scene with the General Garcia hand puppet, “Oops, pigs!” still kills me. This is one of those movies that feels like a warm hug of silliness. And, that Guatemala dinner conversation still makes me smile!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy odd-couple pairings”
  • “Those looking for a light-hearted action-comedy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Some profanity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A brilliantly quirky and hilarious comedy. Peter Falk and Alan Arkin deliver career-defining performances, creating a fantastic comedic duo. The film’s unpredictable plot and sharp writing keep you laughing from start to finish. Highly recommended!
• The New York Times: “The In-Laws is a unique blend of screwball comedy and suspenseful action. The chemistry between Falk and Arkin is undeniable, creating a memorable cinematic experience. While the plot may be a bit convoluted, the performances and witty dialogue make it a worthwhile watch.

Audience Reactions

The ‘Serpentine!’ scene is pure comedic gold.: Viewers love the amazing chemistry between Peter Falk and Alan Arkin.

The absurd plot and over-the-top characters are hilarious.: Many find the film endlessly rewatchable, discovering new jokes each time.

Overall Consensus: A beloved comedy classic praised for its fantastic performances, witty writing, and unique blend of humor and suspense. While the plot can be convoluted, the overall experience is highly entertaining and endlessly quotable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was written by Andrew Bergman, who also co-wrote ‘Blazing Saddles’.”
• “Alan Arkin and Peter Falk had wanted to work together for years before finally collaborating on ‘The In-Laws’.”
• “Much of the film’s humor comes from the improvisational style of Falk and Arkin, who were given considerable freedom to develop their characters and dialogue.”
• “The film’s success led to a remake in 2003, but the original is widely considered superior.”

🖥️ How to Watch The In-Laws?

The In-Laws (1979) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for streaming options. It is not currently available on subscription-based streaming services like Netflix or Hulu as of Fall 2024. You can find purchase options through Amazon using keywords ‘The In-Laws 1979 movie’.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• After Hours (1985): Shares the theme of an ordinary person getting caught up in a series of increasingly bizarre and dangerous events in New York City.
• Midnight Run (1988): Features a mismatched pair on a cross-country adventure, combining comedy with action and crime elements.
• Hopscotch (1980): Similar spy-comedy from the same era, featuring intrigue and humor.
• Game Night (2018): A modern comedy where a group of ordinary people find themselves in a real-life, high-stakes situation.

🛒 The In-Laws Related Products

• The In-Laws (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Experience the film with a pristine transfer and special features like commentary from director Arthur Hiller and writer Andrew Bergman. A must-have for serious fans.
• Serpentine T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie’s iconic quote with this fun and comfortable t-shirt.
• “Serpentine, Shelly! Serpentine!” Art Print: High-quality print featuring Peter Falk directing Arkin on the fly during their escape.
• The In-Laws Movie Poster: Own a piece of cinema history with a reproduction of the original movie poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Trees” – performed by Joyce Kilmer & Oscar Rasbach

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

🤨 FAQ

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