“The In-Laws”

Alan Arkin and Peter Falk in “The In-Laws” (Warner Bros., 1979)

“The In-Laws” (Warner Bros., 1979). Days before their children’s wedding, the father of the groom (Peter Falk), who happens to work for the CIA, involves the father of the bride (Alan Arkin), a mild-mannered dentist, in an international espionage plot. Really clever and really funny, with memorable performances by Alan Arkin and Peter Falk. Not to be confused with the unfortunate 2003 remake of the same title. Written by Andrew Bergman. Directed by Arthur Hiller. “Serpentine!”

“This Is Spinal Tap”

Harry Shearer (Derek Smalls), Christopher Guest (Nigel Tufnel) and Michael McKean (David St. Hubbins) in “This Is Spinal Tap” (MGM/Embassy Pictures, 1984)

“This Is Spinal Tap” (MGM/Embassy Pictures, 1984). The classic rock ‘n’ roll mockumentary about “Britain’s loudest band,” Spinal Tap. A brilliant, wickedly funny satire that chronicles the band’s first tour of the U.S.A. in years, including backstage “interviews” and “concert footage” (the “Rock and Roll Creation” and “Stonehenge” concert scenes are my favorites). Really funny. Written by Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, and Rob Reiner. Directed by Rob Reiner. “What’s wrong with being sexy?”

“The Inspector General”

“The Inspector General” theatrical poster (Warner Bros., 1949)

“The Inspector General” (Warner Bros., 1949). A vehicle for the great physical comedian Danny Kaye. Kaye plays Georgi, an illiterate who gets mistaken for a government inspector in a corrupt Eastern European village. Kaye is a force of nature, able to sing and contort his way through any character and situation. Silly fun. Based on the play “Revizor” by Nikolai Gogol. Written by Philip Rapp and Harry Kurnitz. Directed by Henry Koster. “Be arrogant, be elegant, be smart!”

“Marvel’s The Avengers”

Theatrical poster for “Marvel’s The Avengers” (Marvel/Disney/Paramount, 2012)

I, along with most of the movie-going world, saw “Marvel’s The Avengers” last week. This film is so much fun–I’m still smiling about it. If you enjoy superhero/comic book films, or even just have a liking for action/adventure movies, see this film. Written and directed by the brilliant Joss Whedon. “We have a Hulk.”

“Airplane!”

Otto the Autopilot, Julie Hagerty and Robert Hays in “Airplane!” (Paramount, 1980)

“Airplane!” (Paramount, 1980). Completely juvenile and completely awesome. This satire on the “Airport” disaster film series along with many other things from the 1970s couldn’t be any funnier. Robert Hays plays Ted, a war vet who is trying to get back together with his girlfriend Elaine, played by Julie Hagerty. Ted used to be an ace pilot, but hasn’t been able to get on an airplane since the war. In order to win back Elaine, he books a flight on the fated jumbo jet where Elaine is working as a flight attendant. When food poisoning wipes out all of three of the pilots and many of the passengers, it’s up to Ted to land the plane. With all of the standard disaster movie passengers, every cliche in the book, and hilarious deadpan performances by Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, Leslie Nielsen and Robert Stack, this is one fun and funny movie. Written and directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker. “I haven’t felt this awful since we saw that Ronald Reagan film.”

“Honeymoon in Vegas”

Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker in “Honeymoon in Vegas” (MGM/Castle Rock, 1992)

“Honeymoon in Vegas” (MGM/Castle Rock, 1992). Nicolas Cage plays Jack, a commitment phobe (and with good reason). Sarah Jessica Parker plays Betsy, Jack’s girlfriend, who is ready to get married and settle down. Jack finally agrees to go with Betsy to Las Vegas to get married, but a wealthy gambler named Tommy, played by James Caan, has other ideas in mind after setting his eyes on Betsy. A fun romantic comedy with enjoyable performances and a great soundtrack full of Elvis Presley tunes. Written and directed by Andrew Bergman. “We’re the Flying Elvises. Utah chapter.”