Susan Granger’s review of “The In-Laws” (Warner Bros.)
The production notes claim this isn’t really a remake of the 1979 comedy starring Peter Falk and Alan Arkin but the set-up’s certainly the same. Michael Douglas plays the CIA agent with Albert Brooks as a neurotic, nebbishy doctor. They have nothing in common except that their offspring are about to get married. Kinda like “Meet the Parents” with a different twist. Disguised as a Xerox salesman, Steve Tobias is an unpredictable, adrenaline-addicted, undercover operative with a tough, ambitious partner (Robin Tunney), a caustic ex-wife (Candice Bergen) and emotionally estranged son (Ryan Reynolds). He’s so obsessed with a 20 year-old Russian runaway named Olga that plans for his son’s upcoming wedding slip his mind. On the other hand, podiatrist Jerry Peyser can think of little else, micro-managing every detail of his daughter’s (Lindsay Sloane) upcoming nuptials. “Let’s escape,” pleads the bride. “There is no escape,” sighs the groom. But before anyone can say “I do,” Steve has kidnapped Jerry, forcing him – kicking and screaming – into a high-flying James Bond-like adventure involving espionage and a bizarre hot-tub encounter with a predatory, gay arms dealer (David Suchet). Screenwriters Nat Mauldin and Ed Solomon do a contemporary tweak on Andrew Bergman’s original concept of psychological warfare and intimidation, while director Andrew Fleming keeps the action fast-paced and funny. The soundtrack’s decidedly retro with an appearance by K.C. and the Sunshine Band. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “The In-Laws” is an engaging if uneven 6. If you like genial, if predictable, marital comedies, you’ll find it amusing and diverting, but if you’re looking for originality, it’s not to be found here.
