The In-Laws (2003 film)


The In-Laws is a 2003 American action comedy film starring Michael Douglas, Albert Brooks, Candice Bergen, Robin Tunney, Maria Ricossa, Lindsay Sloane and Ryan Reynolds. The film is a remake of the original 1979 cult classic of the same name. Scenes for the 2003 film were shot on location in Chicago. The film was a box office failure and received mixed to negative reviews.

Plot

Steve Tobias is an undercover agent of the CIA whose son, Mark, is marrying Melissa Peyser. Her father is mild-mannered foot doctor, Jerry Peyser. When the two families meet for dinner, Peyser stumbles on to Steve Tobias' secret operation as Tobias tries to set up a deal to sell a Russian submarine, the Olga, to an arms smuggler in France as bait to catch arms smugglers. As Peyser's incidental involvement increases, he is suspected by the FBI of being part of a seemingly malicious deal. Peyser does not want to be involved in the deal or with Tobias' family but is either dragged in against his will or tricked into participating in wild escapades with Tobias. The two future fathers-in-law end up dodging bullets, jumping off buildings, and stealing jets together as they attempt to avoid capture by the FBI. After the wedding reception is ended by a last chase scene, they are finally left alone with only their children and wives to have a quiet marriage ceremony, presided over by the FBI agent who was chasing them.

Cast

The In-Laws had a mixed critical reception. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a 33% score, based on 135 reviews, with an average rating of 4.89/10. The consensus states "Bigger and slicker than the original, but not necessarily better". The film failed at the box office, recouping just under $27 million, compared to its $40 million budget.