In 1979, Peter Falk and the late great Alan Arkin formed the perfect odd couple in the classic action comedy The In-Laws. It even inspired a not-bad remake in 2003 with Michael Douglas and Albert Brooks. However, the new film The Out-Laws, which starts streaming on Netflix today, tries to capture that same magic but falls short. While the previous films were genuinely funny, especially with Arkin and Falk, this one relies too heavily on nonstop action scenes to fill its 95-minute runtime.
But don’t blame the cast, because they’re pretty impressive overall. Adam Devine, known for his role in Workaholics, takes the lead in this comedic vehicle. He not only stars in the film but also helped develop the script alongside Ben Zazove and Evan Turner. Devine also produced the film with Adam Sandler and Allen Covert from Happy Madison. Devine is a natural at this zany comedy, playing Owen Browning, a nebbishy bank manager who is about to marry the love of his life, Parker (played by the charming Nina Dobrev). However, things take a turn when Parker’s globe-trotting parents, Billy (Pierce Brosnan) and Lilly (Ellen Barkin), unexpectedly decide to attend the wedding. This causes a lot of consternation for Owen and his straight-laced parents, Neil (Richard Kind) and Margie (the divine Julie Hagerty), who have heard less than favorable things about their future in-laws. The initial meetings between the families are reminiscent of De Niro-Stiller dynamics, but the presence of Brosnan, with a hint of James Bond gravitas, and the always welcome Barkin elevate the film.
However, things spiral out of control when a robbery by the notorious Ghost Bandits gives Owen pause and makes him suspect that his future in-laws might be outlaws too, like a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. Did they pull off the heist? Or is Owen about to find himself on the wrong side of the law as another group of robbers, including the over-the-top Rohan (Poorna Jagannathan), enters the picture? In no time, Owen finds himself dressed as Shrek, guns blazing, and pulling off a holdup. While this may not be the best way to impress your new in-laws, it sets the stage for a series of stunts, chases, shootouts, and madcap shenanigans that never let up. Unfortunately, amidst all the action, the film fails to delve deeper into the characters, leaving them feeling one-dimensional.
Director Tyler Spindel, known for his background in stand-up comedy, knows how to get laughs and stage chases. However, in this case, he seems to have prioritized the action over character development. His previous Netflix comedy, 2020’s uproarious The Wrong Missy starring David Spade, struck the perfect balance. It’s a shame that he couldn’t achieve the same in this film, which feels like it’s throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks. The word “frenetic” comes to mind.
Fortunately, Spindel has the likable Devine, who goes above and beyond in his starring role. Brosnan and Barkin, two seasoned pros, manage to make their scenes work despite the script’s shortcomings. Brosnan seems to relish playing against the broad comedy that the cast navigates. The same goes for the dependable Kind and Hagerty, as well as the well-placed supporting turns from Lil Rel Howery, Blake Anderson, and Michael Rooker, who plays the agent trying to track down Billy and Lilly.
Audiences seeking pure mayhem will find themselves engaged, but the film doesn’t quite deliver the level of fun that both the audience and the talented cast deserve.
Title: The Out-Laws
Distributor: Netflix
Release Date: July 7, 2023 (streaming)
Director: Tyler Spindel
Screenwriters: Ben Zazove and Evan Turner
Cast: Adam Devine, Nina Dobrev, Michael Rooker, Pierce Brosnan, Ellen Barkin, Richard Kind, Julie Hagerty, Lil Rel Howery, Poorna Jagannathan, Blake Anderson
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 35 min
