In & Out (1997) Rated PG-13 for sex-related dialogue and some strong language. Starring: Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack, Matt Dillon, Tom Selleck. ---------- Out of 4 stars: **** (4 Stars)
As if you haven't heard, either from reading other reviews, or actually witnessing the event, Tom Hanks outted his high school drama teacher in his Oscar acceptance speech for "Philadelphia." While his teacher had already been out, and since there is hardly any humor behind that, producer Scott Rudin asked Paul Rudnick ("Jeffrey," another hilarious gay-related film) to write a screenplay about the same event happening; only the teacher wouldn't be gay. And so In & Out is brought to the screen from a gifted writer, and a talented director and cast.
It's been a long time since I have laughed this hard during a film. There are several films which made me laugh recently, but none of them are going to remain in my memory once they get shuffled off to the video shelves. But In & Out will stay in my mind for a long time to come. It is the best comedy of the year, and I doubt any comedy will be able to compete with it. Unlike Rudnick's last screenplay "Jeffrey," In & Out didn't focus on sex or the grief it can cause. Instead, it allows every type of person, even your most conservative homophobe, to enjoy the sharp-witted humor. Rudnick also wrote the very funny "Addams Family Values," which just happened to be better than the original. He has proven himself a talented writer, who can create one-liners, funnier than any you have probably ever heard. But not all the humor comes from the dialogue. Much of it comes from reactions of the cast, and Kline's physical humor, as he showed in "A Fish Called Wanda."
In & Out is a film that works on a lot of different levels, which most Hollywood films pretend to do. It has satirical elements, above-standard-fair humor, and in the midst of all the comedy, it slyly works in some social discrimination problems. I advise you to not read ANY review of this film before you watch it. Not even this one. Stop right here if you haven't seen it. Stop. Stop! Okay, so it isn't that important, but if you do read on, I won't be the one to spoil those surprises. Luckily, before I went to film I forgot to read my local critic's review of the movie. Lucky, because he spoiled both of the surprises. Anyway, In & Out begins in the small town of Greenleaf, Indiana. They are all awaiting one of the most anticipated nights of the town's year: the Academy Awards. Why? Former student from Greenleaf, Cameron Drake (Matt Dillon), has been nominated for Best Actor. The film he is nominated for is a funny spoof of Forrest Gump, mixed with Philadelphia. Not surprisingly, he wins (you see that in the trailer) and he praises his high school English teacher, Howard Brackett (Kevin Kline). "... and he's gay." Drake adds, surprising not only the entire town of Greenlead, but Brackett and his wife, Emily (Joan Cusack), as well.
The next day, the town is swarming with reporters, trying to get the feature on the teacher who was outted by his student. One of those reporters is Peter Malloy (Tom Selleck, in a nearly perfect performance) who wants to do an entire week on Howard. But he isn't fond of the idea because he is getting married in three days, after three years of being engaged (and not once physically bonding the relationship). All of his students want to know, as well as the principal (Bob Newhart, doing his best kind of comedy--deadpan). Of course, because Howard has now been declared as a homosexual, the school board is concerned "for the children." Yeah, right. The principal tells Howard that if he does not get married, then he will be dismissed from his teaching duties. And to top that off, his parents are gravely concerned. Berniece and Frank Brackett (Debbie Reynolds and Wilford Brimley) are confused, but as Berniece puts it, "You better have this wedding. I need something beautiful in my life... it's like heroin."
But the most concerned is Howard himself. Howard tries to make himself more masculine using audio tapes, and by ripping his clothes off in order to finally consumate their relationship. The scene involving the masculinity tapes is the funniest scene in the entire film. Not that other scenes aren't funny, but this is the moment In & Out will most likely be remembered for... oh, and one of the two surprises. The biggest problem with the film is that the film drags towards the end, but thankfully spoofs "Spartacus" to bring up the comedic level again. Surprisingly, In & Out does incorporate some plot twists into its straight-forward storytelling. Some of the plot twists are mild, such as the speech from Drake, and some are completely shocking if you don't know what is going to happen.
I am giving In & Out four stars because not only is it above your usual standard shtick, but it makes you care for the characters, and then makes you feel giddy and happy at the end. I already want to see it again. It's amazing to see a comedy like this released these days. While the subject matter tackled is rather lightweight, many heterosexual men will probably try and avoid seeing the film. However, I advise seeing it. While it is offensive in some parts, it mainly comes from the language, and most of it coming from the mother and her friends. Even if you are homophobic or extreme conservative people, if you like to laugh, I highly recommend In & Out. It is not only the best comedy of 1997, but it is also one of the best overall films. Some people may claim that it is predictable and unfunny, but I was surprised several times, and while the ending is inevitable, it is not predictable.
The cast is essential for this film to work, as for every other film to work. But never have I seen a cast work so well together. Well, in a comedy anyway. In Jim Carrey's films, it's usually just Carrey doing his stuff, but In & Out relies on intelligent writing and good performances from the cast. Kevin Kline gives the best performance of the film, and hopefully he will at least get another Oscar nomination. Kline proves that he is one of America's best comedians, and he doesn't have to overplay anything to get laughs. Kline has the facial expressions to make you laugh, and he also knows to say his lines as if he were being serious, and relying on Rudnick's dialogue to carry through. Sometimes, Kline is able to get laughs out of lines that wouldn't have been funny with any other actor. Joan Cusack is still brilliant, and I could watch her for hours. She has perfect timing, and her struggles with her dilemma is hilarious. Tom Selleck, whom I haven't seen since Citizen Ruth, gives one of his best performances ever. I hope to see him on the screen more, because he has a natural screen presence which many actors lack. Matt Dillon uses a wry tone when delivering his lines which make them all the more funnier. Shalom Harlow plays Drake's bulemic girlfriend, and her stiff lines make them funny. Her look at the rotary phone is a gem. Debbie Reynolds picks up where she left off in Mother, and Wilford Brimley turns in a good performance. Bob Newhart fits very nicely among the cast, and he also gives some of the best reactions to what is going on. But it's Kline's show, and he runs with it.
In & Out is rated PG-13 for sex-related dialogue and profanity. Director Frank Oz (who also did the hilarious "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels") gives the film a professional look to it, and he also makes the satirical moments much more funny. The conservative town is given a "Leave it to Beaver" feel, and Oz knows how to let his actors go. Many Barbra Streisand remarks are funny enough that even Streisand should laugh. Kline's dancing deserves an Oscar, just for that, which compares to Travolta's of "Saturday Night Fever." And hopefully Rudnick will get noticed more with his bright and funny screenplay. A classic ensemble piece which seems like it came from the early 80s, and changed the morals and story. Physical humor is hard to get, but physical humor and spoken humor is nearly impossible. In & Out does it and does it well. This is one of the year's best films.
Reviewed by Respect http://www.aros.net/~respect/movies.html respect@aros.net
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