In & Out (1997) / Comedy

MPAA Rated: PG-13 for sexual content and some strong language
Running Time: 90 min.

Cast: Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack, Matt Dillon, Debbie Reynolds, Wilford Brimley
Director: Frank Oz
Screenplay: Paul Rudnick
Review published March 19, 1998

After winning an academy award, for Best Actor for his portrayal of a gay soldier, Cameron Drake (Dillon, Singles) thanks his former high school English teacher, Howard Brackett (Kline, Dave), for being an inspiration as a gay role model. This comes as a huge surprise to everyone in Brackett's hometown, most of all himself, as he is about to be married.

A relatively likeable farce, and probably impossible to hate totally, but outside of a few chuckles here and there, I found it to be far too unbelievable, forcing situations to convenience easy and obvious gags. It has a capable cast all of who deliver terrific performances, the script is amusing and light, and the directing by Muppet-Man Frank Oz (Bowfinger, The Score) keeps things running along well.

It's just that all in all it seemed like an SNL skit that was stretched out well-beyond what it should have to fill 90 minutes of feature film length. Watchable but unremarkable.

 Qwipster's rating:

©1998 Vince Leo