Cady's Take:

The In-Laws will please any fan of Michael Douglas as he recaptures the charm of past action comedies such as Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Brooks is a brilliant comedian and delivers almost every line in that hilarious, whiny voice that perfectly compliments his neurotic behavior and mannerisms as Dr. Peysner. He is downright uproarious!

The cast really makes this an enjoyable comedy and a fun alternative for audiences who may need a break from the hours of special effects and science fiction that we are accustomed to seeing lately. Personally, I have been in love with Ryan Reynolds ever since I first saw him play Michael Bergen on the TV show “2 Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place”. I wish he had a larger role in this film but I’ll take what I can get! Lindsay Sloane plays Brooks’ daughter Melissa. She is very cute and I would enjoy seeing her in more upcoming films. Candice Bergen is also wonderful in her small but memorable role as Douglas’ ex-wife.

This movie is lighthearted entertainment at its best and should amuse a fairly wide audience. I liked the over-the-top but somehow believable screenplay, and I enjoyed this film for what it was trying to accomplish; offer the audience a fun, easy-going, fluffy comedy.

The movie submerges its odd-couple costars in almost nonstop action as they dangle from rooftops and battle with spies. I must say these scenes with outrageous action/adventure stunts found in James Bond movies are the worst parts in this film. But when KC and the Sunshine Band show up for a superfluous cameo, all of the bad movie moments are forgotten.

Don't listen to the other critics. Get into the antic, silly mode of this movie, and enjoy. Albert Brooks in a sauna with a thong is disturbing – but hilarious… this scene alone makes it worth renting!

Andrew Fleming’s “The In-Laws” has the same slick, funny sharpness of “Dick” without the three dimensional performances. This is a good movie, a remake however I have never seen the original, and now I am quite sorry I haven’t, because after seeing this version I am in no hurry to see another, no matter how much better it might be.

Michael Douglas plays Steve Tobias, a seemingly shady character who may or may not be CIA deep cover. He is juggling a big arms deal in France with his son’s wedding, a work-home conflict that is clearly nothing new. His son Mark (the adorable Ryan Reynolds) reluctantly introduces his father to his new in-laws including father-in-law Jerry Peyser who takes an instant dislike to the brash, rude, habitually late Tobias. I thought Douglas’ portrayal was flat and cartoon-y, with lots of colors and movement, but ultimately no substance. Would a CIA agent really call that much attention to himself, all the time? Tobias drags Peyser along on a “mission” which provides some laughs, but essentially the movie is one gag after another, and most of what happens just happens without an essential story line. Of course the big question is “Will The Wedding Go Off” and, well, I won’t ruin the ending but the movie does end, mercifully. Ryan Reynolds is Too Cute for Words but I still do not understand why the storyline involved an infidelity in his relationship with his fiancee, when the movie is really not about them at all, but about their families.

Candice Bergen is wonderful in a small role as Tobias’ ex and Mark’s mother. Funny and bitter, there is definite chemistry between her Judy and Steve and unfortunately the movie does not explore it further than a few looks and a grab. I wouldn’t watch this movie again, and if I can stop just one more person from doing so, I’ve done my good deed for the day.