The In-Laws

The In-Laws is an iconic 1979 action comedy movie directed by Arthur Hiller. The film features a star-studded cast with Peter Falk, Alan Arkin, Richard Libertini and more. The film takes off initially with the meeting of two prospective in-law fathers as their relative children prepare for marriage, eventually spiraling into a web of international intrigue, full of humor, and intertwined with a believable familial relationship that powers the undercurrent of the film, keeping it grounded amidst its comic absurdity.

Peter Falk, best remembered for his role in the TV series Columbo, portrays the eccentric and unpredictable Vince Ricardo, a CIA operative with a personality as wild as his adventurous life. His soon-to-be son-in-law, Sheldon 'Shelly' Kornpett (Arkin), is a dentistry professional leading an average, uneventful life away from the public eye. Shelly is thrown into Vince's exciting and chaotic world when their children decide to marry. The comic dynamics are set when the normalcy of Shelly's life collides with Vince's zany CIA lifestyle, creating a hilarious clash of personalities that supports the story's twists, turns, and suspenseful moments.

Falk's performance as Vince is a highlight of the characterization - unorthodox, flamboyant and yet incredibly charming. His character keeps both the audience and Arkin's character on their toes, never knowing what outlandish or perilous situation they're about to face next.

Arkin's role as the straight-laced dentist allows him to depict an innocent caught up in the whirlwind of unforeseen situations. His portrayal perfectly captures the bewilderment and fear of a man who is too deep in his commitments to turn back but is equally frightened and flustered about what seems to lie ahead. His comic timing adds a hilarious layer to his situations turning intense scenes into laughs.

Vince and Shelly aren't the only ones with vividly compelling roles in this venture. The supporting cast includes Richard Libertini in full form as a zany and outlandish dictator, General Garcia, a role that is funny, gripping, and unmistakably eccentric. He adds another dimension to the film, striking a perfect balance amidst the mounting tension and comic absurdities played out by the main characters.

Twists and turns aside, the film's setting deserves recognition, too. The fusion of everyday suburban locales with exotic Central American locales creates a stimulating visual treat that complements the narrative's pace and the characters' development.

The screenplay by Andrew Bergman contributed to the movie's success, blending together wild escapades and down-to-earth family dynamics. His dialogues eventually became iconic, greatly supplementing the performances. Bergman succeeds in maintaining the comedy element without making the storyline feel exaggerated or unrealistic.

In conclusion, The In-Laws is a delightful romp, full of unexpected plot twists and clever dialogue that keeps viewers engaged. The pairing of Falk and Arkin brings the noise and the nuance, making their characters truly memorable in the annals of comic cinema. All of this, bundled with top-class direction by Arthur Hiller, makes one understand why the film was popular back then and continues to entertain audiences to this day.