Streaming on Netflix from today is the action-comedy, The Out-Laws. The movie – directed by Tyler Spindel – stars Adam Devine, Nina Dobrev, Pierce Brosnan, Ellen Barkin, Michael Rooker, Lil Rel Howery, Julie Hagerty and Richard Kind, and follows the story of a young man who suspects his future in-laws are thieves.
In the film, bank manager, Owen Browning is preparing to get married to his long-term girlfriend, Parker. All the arrangements are in hand, the big day is on the horizon, and an invite has been sent out to Parker’s parents, Lilly and Billy McDermott.
To date, Owen has not met his future in-laws because Parker’s parents live in the Amazon. In fact, Parker hasn’t seen her mother and father in years either, so when they arrive in town it is a big occasion.
To make Lilly and Billy feel welcome, Owen spends the entire day with them, going skydiving, getting tattoos, and getting drunk. Owen has a great time and believes he’s really got to know Lilly and Billy inside out, and a bright future lies ahead.
However, the next day, while back at work, two masked thieves rob the bank and to Owen’s horror, they appear to be Lilly and Billy. But is Owen correct in his suspicions and if he is, what will he do about it?
Playful and consistently humorous, The Out-Laws is a completely daft, but highly enjoyable romp which is much better than the premise suggests. Sure, the film is very light on story, and the concept of ‘in-laws’ as ‘out-laws’ is more than a bit tired, but what the film lacks in originality it sure makes up for in gags and performances.
All the way through this movie, The Out-Laws benefits from a constant stream of jokes, as well as a great cast who understand the assignment. Everyone involved in this film knows that fun is the No.1 priority, and not only do they bring this to the screen, I have a sneaking suspicion they had a blast making the picture too.
Pierce Brosnan in particular seems to be in his element with this movie, and his role as Billy is a lot of fun to watch. Paired up with Ellen Barkin as Lilly, the criminal couple command the screen, and along with Adam Devine as Owen they bring plenty of energy to proceedings.
However, the central trio don’t overshadow the picture, and there is plenty of room for supporting players such as Richard Kind, Julie Hagerty, Michael Rooker, and Lil Rel Howery to deliver some well-timed laughs too. In fact, this whole thing plays like an ensemble caper, which works as well as it does because everyone is pulling in the same direction.
When it comes to the film’s action, the movie doesn’t have that many set pieces, and none of them are particularly outstanding, but they are perfectly handled. Director Tyler Spindel knows how to deliver action when required, and scenes such as a shoot-out at a vegan bakery, as well as a car chase through a cemetery, are a hoot.
Spindel also knows not to over egg the pudding. Both the action set pieces and the quick-fire gags are delivered in short blasts, to keep the movie constantly moving forward, and this ensures the picture doesn’t outstay its welcome.
To add to this, Spindel sticks to a 90-minute run-time, which is perfect for a comedy, and certainly ideal for this film. As noted above, the story is slight, but there’s enough material here to meet pad out an hour-and-a-half of fun without any major lulls or drops in quality.
If you’re looking for some easy viewing and disposable fun this weekend, then The Out-Laws will see you right. It’s not going to become your all-time favourite comedy, but it is very likeable and it’ll put a few smiles on your face.
Netflix has been very hit-and-miss as of late, but with The Out-Laws and the Wham! documentary this week, and Nimona last week, the streaming service is showing signs that it has gotten its groove back. How long this will last is anyone’s guess, but for now, be sure to take advantage of what’s on offer.
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