They are apparently re-making one of my favorite movies. “The In-Laws” is a 1979 comedy written by Andrew Bergman, who also wrote “The Freshman” and “Soapdish,” and part of “Blazing Saddles.” (He also wrote “So Fine” and “Striptease,” demonstrating that no one’s career is unmarred.) “The In-Laws” starred Alan Arkin and Peter Falk, with Richard Libertini in a large supporting role.
Like most Bergman films, this one is about an innocent (a Long Island dentist) who gets placed in increasing absurd and dangerous situations — bad days that keep getting worse. And like most Bergman films, the dialog is razor sharp.
Not willing to let a classic lie unmolested, “The In-Laws” is about to start filming in Toronto. It could be worse: Albert Brooks — now a podiatrist — is in the Alan Arkin role and Michael Douglas in the Peter Falk part. Sounds like it’ll be pretty glossy, which is a big change from the low-budget original.
