In & Out (1997)

In & Out is that rare studio comedy that knows how to be broadly funny without turning its characters into punchlines, and it lands with the kind of warmth that sneaks up on you. Frank Oz keeps the tone bright and nimble, letting Kevin Kline’s wonderfully human performance carry the laughs and the quiet, uneasy moments of self-recognition, while Joan Cusack brings real heart and dignity to what could’ve been a one-note role. With Tom Selleck adding an unexpectedly charming spark and a whole town’s worth of perfectly timed reactions, the movie plays like a cozy Midwestern farce that gradually reveals a generous, open-minded spirit. It’s very 1997 in its approach and not as sharp-edged as today’s comedies, but if you want something sweet, accessible, and genuinely crowd-pleasing, this one still earns its applause.

In & Out is clearly trying to be a warm, crowd-pleasing comedy about self-acceptance and small-town tolerance, and at its best it lands a few genuinely funny moments while Kevin Kline and Joan Cusack keep things likable. The problem is it plays the premise very safely, smoothing over the sharper emotional and social realities in favor of broad jokes and a “don’t worry, it’ll all be fine” tone that can feel timid and a bit dated. If you want a more challenging or nuanced LGBTQ story, or you’re allergic to sitcom-style sentimentality and occasional stereotypes, this may leave you rolling your eyes by the end. Still, if you’re in the mood for a light 90s studio comedy with a basically kind heart and a few standout performances, it can be an easy watch.