69
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80CineVueChristopher MachellCineVueChristopher MachellThe In-Laws, while not quite a classic is a terrifically inventive and consistently funny comedy, with an oft-imitated but rarely matched star chemistry.
- 80The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinAndrew Bergman has written one of those rare comedy scripts that escalates steadily and hilariously, without faltering or even having to strain for an ending.
- 80Time OutTime OutFalk's unflappable whimsicality is put to excellent use, Arkin commands sundry shades of blind panic, and if the car chases sustain the widely held belief that Arthur Hiller could not direct traffic, the script's out-of-nowhere zingers are wonderful.
- 80Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasAs the film's linchpin, Falk comes across as a crummy, low-life Pied Piper with a stupefyingly irresistible charm. [18 Aug 1985, p.5]
- 80NewsweekDavid AnsenNewsweekDavid AnsenWhat makes The In-Laws so engaging is not simply the escalating madness of Andrew Bergman's story (such whimsy could easily grow tiresome), but the deadpan counterpoint supplied by the two stars, who navigate their way through mounting disasters with an air of hilariously unjustified rationality. Bergman's script was tailor-made for Falk and Arkin, and they make the most of it. [02 Jul 1979, p.68]
- 75Slant MagazineClayton DillardSlant MagazineClayton DillardThe In-Laws never makes deeper, sustained sense of its premise and seems content to revel in the more basic pleasure of seeing Falk and Arkin interact with one another.
- The comedy is strictly from the hit-or-miss school, but director Hiller keeps things moving so fast there isn't time to ponder over the failed bits.
- 50Chicago ReaderDave KehrChicago ReaderDave KehrAn ungainly blend of Monty Python, The Goldbergs, and My Favorite Spy.
- 50The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Jay ScottThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Jay ScottIn The In-Laws, there is nothing to keep Alan Arkin and Peter Falk from becoming one of the most enchanting comedy teams in movies - nothing except direction, script and cinematography. [20 Jun 1979]