Son in Law

Son in Law is a comedic film released in 1993, directed by Steve Rash and showcases a star-studded cast, featuring Pauly Shore, Carla Gugino, Lane Smith and many others. The film blends elements of comedy, romance, and family drama to create an entertaining and at times, touching narrative that gives audiences a fun, heartwarming experience.

The film follows the story of Rebecca ‘Becca’ Warner, a character played by Carla Gugino, a lovable girl from South Dakota who has grown up in a typical, Midwestern farm family. As she sets off to face a new chapter in her life, she departs from her rural roots to attend college in Los Angeles. This is where she encounters the iconic character, Crawl, in an unforgettable, life-altering way.

Crawl, portrayed by the charismatic Pauly Shore, is Becca’s Resident Advisor at college, an eccentric, fun-loving character who is instantly recognizable by his signature California look and his one-of-a-kind charm. His outlandish behavior and laid-back attitude towards life form a stark contrast to Becca's conservative upbringing. Crawl is the embodiment of everything that is alien to Becca’s controlled, idyllic life back in South Dakota.

The plot takes a significant turn when during a Thanksgiving break, Becca decides to invite Crawl to experience the humble lifestyle of her South Dakota home. However, the film is not just about the contrasting worlds between the flashy Californian life and the modest Midwest farm, but it is also about Becca’s struggle with her overprotective father, Walter Warner, played by Lane Smith.

Walter is a typical protective father who fails to appreciate the change in her daughter's behavior and lifestyle after moving to big-city Los Angeles. He is wary of Crawl and his unconventional ways, thus creating a humor-filled tension between the two characters. This tension serves as the backbone for the comedy throughout the movie, especially as Crawl starts to assimilate into their customary life.

In Son in Law, most of the humor is derived from the blending of different cultures and lifestyles. The writers use the rural-urban divide as the perfect juxtaposition for comedic situations. This is particularly evident in the scenes where Crawl, the city boy, tries his hand at various farm chores and navigating the complex, unspoken rules of rural life.

Son in Law presents a compelling narrative about love, culture shock and personal growth. Crawl’s introduction to the heartland spawns numerous hilarious moments, and through these comical encounters, the film explores changing family dynamics, personal transformation, and the vital life-lesson of acceptance.

Moreover, the movie's rural setting is not only picturesque but lends authenticity to the storyline. The vivid cinematography, marked by sprawling lands and peaceful surroundings, provides a perfect backdrop against the city’s fast-paced life. The film beautifully captures the striking differences and highlights them to create considerable dramatic and comedic effect.

Pauly Shore in his most memorable role of Crawl injects a dose of hilarity into the storyline. Carla Gugino as Becca delivers a nuanced performance, depicting her character's journey from a small-town girl to a city woman grappling with change.

Son in Law is much more than a comedy film. It is also a touching tale of transformation and acceptance. It demonstrates how navigating through different cultural landscapes opens up opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Beyond the humor and fun-filled sequences, the film acts as a mirror, reflecting the societal prejudice and the struggles associated with conforming to normative behavior patterns. It is not merely about laughing at different cultures but understanding and embracing the diversity that exists within them.

Overall, Son in Law is a light-hearted, enjoyable romp, blending comedy with elements of romance and a dash of modern family drama. The blend of quirky characters, witty dialogue, and comedy steeped in culture clash makes it a fun watch. Whether you're a fan of Pauly Shore's unconventional comedy or enjoy stories of transformation and acceptance, Son in Law makes for an entertaining watch and a journey filled with laughs and endearing moments.