In & Out (1997)

Plot Summary: Howard Brackett, a beloved English teacher in a small Midwestern town, finds his life turned upside down when a former student-turned-Hollywood star publicly "outs" him during an Academy Awards acceptance speech. With his wedding just days away, Howard must confront the unexpected revelation, leading to a comedic journey of self-discovery, societal expectations, and acceptance.

Director: Frank Oz
Producer: Scott Rudin
Screenplay: Paul Rudnick

Starring:
Kevin Kline as Howard Brackett
Joan Cusack as Emily Montgomery
Tom Selleck as Peter Malloy
Matt Dillon as Cameron Drake
Debbie Reynolds as Berniece Brackett
Wilford Brimley as Frank Brackett

 

***SPOILER ALERT***

A Frank Oz Comedy Inspired by Real-Life Events

We’re back exploring Frank Oz’s filmography, and today’s feature is In & Out, a 90s comedy with a unique premise: it was loosely inspired by Tom Hanks’ Oscar acceptance speech for Philadelphia (1993), where he acknowledged his gay high school drama teacher and a former classmate. If I weren’t going through Oz’s works, I might have skipped this film—and that would’ve been a shame, as it had me laughing out loud. The film is not overtly sexual, so those expecting a "sexually gay" narrative might be surprised. There’s just an awkward but humorous kiss between Tom Selleck and Kevin Kline, which, as a straight guy, I found perfectly fine. The jokes, especially the recurring mentions of Barbra Streisand, are hilarious, and the highlight of the film comes when Kevin Kline’s character has an epiphany about his sexuality, triggered by a humorous and cleverly designed self-help tape.

Outstanding Performances

Joan Cusack shines in her role as Emily Montgomery, Howard Brackett’s high-strung fiancée, delivering a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She masterfully balances comedy and heartfelt emotion, making her a standout. Kevin Kline is equally brilliant as Howard, the lovable and conflicted teacher, whose journey drives the film’s humor and heart. While some of the jokes—particularly those rooted in homophobia—feel a bit forced and outdated today, they were likely progressive for their time. The performances of Kline and Cusack elevate what might have been a simplistic script into something genuinely enjoyable and engaging.

Humor, Heart, and a Moral Message

While In & Out isn’t a groundbreaking story, it delivers a moralizing yet lighthearted message about acceptance and loyalty. In an era when homosexuality wasn’t as widely accepted, the film’s ending feels uplifting, emphasizing the importance of valuing a person’s character over their sexuality. The closing scene, where Howard’s students and community rally around him, is particularly heartwarming. Even if the theme isn’t my personal favorite, I can wholeheartedly recommend this movie for the comedic brilliance of Kline and Cusack, especially during the chaotic wedding sequence—a true comedic gem. I’ve included a clip of that scene below; don’t miss it!

🎥 Cinematography (7/10):

Clean and functional, but nothing groundbreaking.

📖 Story (6/10):

A simple, moralizing tale with moments of humor and heart.

🎬 Direction (8/10):

Frank Oz balances comedy and a progressive message well for the time.

👥 Characters (7/10):

Everyone is ok.

💥 Visual Effects (N/A):

Not applicable, as it’s a character-driven comedy.

🎭 Acting (9/10):

Stellar performances, especially from Kline and Cusack.

💬 Dialogue (6/10):

Witty and clever, though some jokes feel outdated.

🌍 Setting/Atmosphere (6/10):

Small-town charm adds warmth to the story.

🎵 Music (5/10):

I'm not that into the Village People or Gloria Gaynor 😅

😄 Entertainment Value (8/10):

A funny and heartfelt watch, despite some dated humor.

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