Having gotten a taste of college life, a drastically changed farm girl returns home for Thanksgiving break with her best friend, a flamboyant party animal who is clearly a fish out of water in a small farm town.
Country girl Rebecca begins college in Los Angeles. There she meets Crawl, a student who is crazy, unpredictable and wild. During the holidays she brings him with her home. Her parents have never seen anything like him and are shocked when Rebecca tells them that they are engaged to be married. Two different worlds collide..
Son in Law (1993)
Son in Law (1993)
Title: Movie Review: Son in Law (1993) – A Fish-Out-of-Water Comedy with Heart
Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted, early ‘90s comedy with plenty of charm and an unconventional lead, Son in Law (1993) might just be your ticket. Directed by Steve Rash and starring Pauly Shore, this film blends slapstick humor, culture clash, and unexpected heart in a feel-good story that still resonates for fans of nostalgic comedies.
Plot Summary
Son in Law follows Rebecca Warner (played by Carla Gugino), a small-town South Dakota farm girl who heads off to college in Los Angeles. Once there, she experiences a major culture shock—but her most surprising discovery is Crawl (Pauly Shore), a flamboyant, free-spirited resident advisor with a big personality and an even bigger heart.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Rebecca decides to bring Crawl home to meet her traditional, no-nonsense family. Fearing they’ll pressure her into staying on the farm or rushing into marriage with her high school boyfriend, she introduces Crawl as her fiancé. What follows is a hilarious sequence of events as Crawl attempts to fit in with rural life, win over Rebecca’s skeptical family, and prove that he might not be as ridiculous as he first seems.
Review
Pauly Shore is the centerpiece of Son in Law, delivering his signature goofy charm and offbeat energy. While his style isn’t for everyone, fans of his persona will enjoy his performance here more than most of his other films. Carla Gugino balances the cast with a grounded, relatable portrayal of a young woman finding her independence.
What sets this film apart is how it takes the familiar “city vs. country” trope and flips it—Crawl, the outrageous outsider, slowly wins over everyone not by changing who he is, but by adapting and showing genuine care. There’s a surprising amount of heart beneath the surface, with themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and family running throughout.
The humor may feel dated to some modern audiences, especially with early ‘90s slang and fashion in full force, but for many, that’s part of the charm. The soundtrack, colorful college life scenes, and heartfelt ending make this a fun rewatchable gem for nostalgic viewers.
Final Thoughts
Son in Law isn’t trying to be groundbreaking—it just wants to entertain, and it does so with quirky humor, feel-good vibes, and a surprising amount of sincerity. Whether you’re a fan of Pauly Shore or just in the mood for a quirky culture-clash comedy, this movie is worth revisiting.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
