The In-Laws (1979)
86%RT Audience Score: 83%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The In-Laws is a comedic masterpiece that showcases the unparalleled chemistry between Peter Falk and Alan Arkin. Falk’s dry delivery and Arkin’s deadpan tone are a match made in heaven, creating a perfect balance of wit and lunacy. Director Arthur Hiller’s feat of casting genius allowed the two lead actors to shine with minimal interference, resulting in a clever and engaging film that has stood the test of time. While some may see it as a simple variation of the Oscar and Felix routine, The In-Laws is anything but simpleminded. It’s a minor comedy classic that deserves a spot in every cinephile’s collection.
The In-Laws is a comedic masterpiece that will have you laughing from start to finish. Peter Falk and Alan Arkin are a dynamic duo that bring their A-game to this film. The dry delivery of Falk and the deadpan tone of Arkin make for a perfect match. The witty script and clever premise make this movie a minor comedy classic. It’s no wonder there hasn’t been a remake, because this film is simply too good to be replicated. If you’re looking for a good laugh, The In-Laws is the perfect movie for you.
Production Company(ies)
DUST, Fuzzy Door Productions, Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
1979
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:NA
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Runtime:1h 43m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Jul 2, 2013
Genre(s)
Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Peter Falk, Alan Arkin, Richard Libertini, Nancy Dussault, Penny Peyser, Arlene Golonka, directed by Arthur Hiller, written by Andrew Bergman, genre: comedy, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Tom Meek, Bernard Drew, Ann Johnston, Christopher Machell, James Kendrick, Matt Brunson, Dennis Schwartz, Cole Smithey, Chuck O’Leary, Lori Hoffman, Gregory Weinkauf, MPAA rating: PG, produced by Warner Bros
Worldwide gross: $26,891,849
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $20,453,431
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Alan Arkin – Sheldon Kornpett
Richard Libertini – General Garcia
Nancy Dussault – Carol Kornpett
Penny Peyser – Barbara Kornpett
Arlene Golonka – Jean Ricardo
Director – Arthur Hiller
Writer – Andrew Bergman
Producer – Arthur Hiller, William Sackheim
Composer – John Morris
Director(s)
Arthur Hiller
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (24) | Fresh (21) | Rotten (3)
An apex odd-couple comedy powered by Falk’s dry delivery, with just the right arch of the eyebrow.
July 8, 2020 | Rating: 3/4
Tom Meek
Cambridge Day
Peter Falk and Alan Arkin make The In-Laws an extremely funny movie.
September 20, 2019
Bernard Drew
Gannett News Service
A simpleminded variation on the well-worn Oscar and Felix routine.
July 19, 2019
Ann Johnston
Maclean’s Magazine
Arkin’s deadpan tone is a perfect fit for the ever-so-slightly unhinged quality that Falk brings with him.
August 15, 2016 | Rating: 4/5
Christopher Machell
CineVue
A feat of casting genius; Hiller knew to let Peter Falk and Alan Arkin do their thing with as little interference as possible
July 22, 2016 | Rating: 3.5/4
James Kendrick
Q Network Film Desk
A minor comedy classic, this one has it all, including 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.
July 9, 2016 | Rating: 3.5/4
Matt Brunson
Creative Loafing
The teaming of Alan Arkin with Peter Falk was inspired casting.
March 30, 2015 | Rating: B+
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
September 18, 2008 | Rating: 4/5
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
Inspired lunacy.
January 27, 2006 | Rating: 3.5/4
Chuck O’Leary
Fantastica Daily
April 26, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
Jonathan R. Perry
Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas)
April 20, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
Lori Hoffman
Atlantic City Weekly
Very funny and engaging. There is no remake.
October 1, 2004 | Rating: 4/5
Gregory Weinkauf
New Times…
Plot
A mild-mannered dentist becomes embroiled in an international counterfeiting plot when he discovers that his future father-in-law is actually a CIA agent in the comedy film “The In-Laws.”
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
“The teaming of Alan Arkin with Peter Falk was inspired casting.” – Dennis Schwartz, Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
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