Plot: What’s it about?
Rebecca (Carla Gugino) has lived a pretty sheltered life, she lives on a farm with her family, has a high school sweetheart, bickers with her little brother, and has little exposure to the outside world. After graduation that all changed, when Rebecca goes away to college, and sees how the other half lives. Once on campus, she realizes how different her new lifestyle will be, but she tries to adjust, so she gives herself some time. But after a party in her dorm room ends up with her personal property being damaged, she finally sees this is not the right place for her to be, and she heads off to call home. Just as she picks up the phone to tell her folks she’s coming home, the resident advisor, Crawl (Pauly Shore) persuades her to give college life one more chance. Soon, Rebecca and Crawl are on a tour of the area, taking in the sights, sounds, and even tastes of everything college has to offer. Rebecca finds herself letting loose, as she dyes her hair and even gets a tattoo. Since Crawl is her best friend and alone for the holiday, she invites him to her family’s Thanksgiving, so he won’t be so alone. But when the folks see the new Rebecca and her unusual friend, will the culture clash be too much?
This is a Pauly Shore movie, so that alone will keep many people from checking it out, but I think this a hilarious film. As with most of Shore’s cinematic efforts, you either love this movie or you despise it, and I happen to love it. While I have a liking for this movies, I don’t Shore is one of the all time comedy greats, I just think he’s funny and so are his movies. This is a light comedy, so you don’t need your thinking cap or your Kleenex, so prepare to just watch a movie and be entertained. The scenes with Shore trying to adjust to the life on the farm are hilarious, especially when he ends up running from a pig stampede. One reason I like this movie so much is the repeat viewing factor, which is very high. Since the movie does little other than make me laugh, I can watch it all the time, which isn’t true of most films. Since this is Shore film, those who like his work will want to look this up, those that hate him can look elsewhere. Personally, I recommend this movie to anyone looking for a good laugh, it should serve that purpose well.
This movie was directed by Steve Rash, who also directed a couple other movies I like, Eddie and Can’t Buy Me Love. While the direction in this type of movie is minimal, you have to respect someone who tries to make Pauly Shore act. Shore gives his typical performance here, which is quite funny, especially once he gets on the farm. Shore’s comedy is an acquired taste, so I can understand why some folks don’t care for him. Shore fanatics will also want to look up Bio-Dome, Encino Man, Jury Duty, and In The Army Now, all Shore staples. Also turning in solid performances are Carla Gugino (Snakes Eyes, Troop Beverly Hills), Lane Smith (The Mighty Ducks, My Cousin Vinny), and Cindy Pickett (Evolver, She’s Having A Baby), who supply excellent major supporting characters. The supporting cast also includes Patrick Renna (P.U.N.K.S., Very Mean Men), Dan Gauthier (Saved By The Bell- Hawaiian Style), Dennis Burkley (Tin Cup, Suburban Commando), Tiffani-Amber Thiessen (Tv’s Saved By The Bell), and Mason Adams (F/X, Houseguest).
Video: How does it look?
Son In Law is presented in a non anamorphic widescreen transfer, which is framed at the original ratio of 1.85:1. The colors are vibrant, especially during the outdoor scenes, and flesh tones look correct also. Contrast is well balanced, and no compression errors or print damage is present.
Audio: How does it sound?
This movie is dialogue driven for the most part, but the soundtrack does wake up the surrounds from time to time. Aside from the music though, there’s little activity in the rear, with the focus on the front channels. But this is acceptable given the material, and dialogue sounds great, no volume issues at all.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The trailer, and that’s it.
