There’s something special about a Thanksgiving movie that doesn’t try to be profound or sentimental, yet still manages to capture the spirit of the holiday. Son in Law, released in 1993, is one of those rare films that leans fully into comedy while still delivering a warm, cozy feeling that fits perfectly with the season. It’s loud, goofy, heartfelt and unmistakably early 90s, and that’s exactly why it’s still fun to revisit.
The story centers on Rebecca, played by Carla Gugino, a small‑town farm girl who heads off to college in California. She’s shy, studious and unsure of herself, but her world changes when she meets Crawl, an eccentric, free‑spirited resident advisor played by Pauly Shore. Crawl is everything Rebecca isn’t. He’s loud, unpredictable, flamboyant and always ready with a joke. Their friendship grows, and when Thanksgiving break arrives, Rebecca invites Crawl home to South Dakota.
What follows is a classic fish‑out‑of‑water comedy. Crawl steps off the plane wearing clothes that look like they were borrowed from a Venice Beach street performer, and Rebecca’s family reacts exactly the way you’d expect. Her father, played by Lane Smith, is baffled. Her mother is polite but confused. Her boyfriend back home is annoyed. And the rest of the town doesn’t know what to make of this strange new arrival who seems determined to shake up their quiet holiday.
Pauly Shore’s performance is exactly what audiences expected from him in the early 90s. He leans into his persona with full commitment, delivering lines with that signature surfer‑slacker rhythm that made him a standout during MTV’s heyday. But what’s surprising is how likable Crawl becomes as the movie unfolds. He’s not just a walking punchline. He genuinely cares about Rebecca and her family, and he tries to help them even when his methods are chaotic.
Carla Gugino brings sincerity to Rebecca, grounding the story so it never floats too far into cartoon territory. She plays the role with a sweetness that makes her transformation believable. Watching her grow more confident, more assertive and more comfortable in her own skin is one of the movie’s quiet strengths. Her relationship with Crawl isn’t romantic, at least not in the traditional sense. It’s built on friendship, trust and the idea that sometimes the people who shake up your life are the ones who help you find yourself.
The Thanksgiving setting gives the movie a built‑in charm. There are big meals, family tension, awkward introductions and the kind of chaos that only happens when you bring someone new home for the holidays. The farm setting adds another layer of nostalgia. There are barns, tractors, livestock and small‑town traditions that feel familiar even if you didn’t grow up around them. The movie uses these elements to create a warm backdrop that makes the comedy feel more inviting.
The humor ranges from slapstick to situational. Crawl tries to milk a cow. He attempts farm chores with mixed results. He clashes with Rebecca’s boyfriend, who’s hiding a few secrets of his own. And he slowly wins over the family by being exactly who he is. The movie doesn’t aim for clever jokes or sharp satire. It aims for fun, and it delivers.
What makes Son in Law endure is its heart. Beneath the goofy antics and exaggerated characters is a story about acceptance, growth and the idea that families can expand in unexpected ways. Crawl doesn’t fit the mold of what Rebecca’s parents imagined for her life, but he brings out the best in her. And in return, the family learns to appreciate someone who’s different from them.
By the time the credits roll, you’re left with a movie that feels warm, silly and surprisingly comforting. It’s not trying to be a masterpiece. It’s trying to make you laugh and leave you with a smile, and it succeeds. For many viewers, it became a VHS staple, the kind of movie you’d watch every year when the leaves started to fall and the holiday season crept in.
Son in Law remains one of the more charming Thanksgiving comedies of the 90s. It’s colorful, energetic and full of heart, making it a perfect pick for a holiday rewatch. If you’re looking for something light and fun that captures the spirit of family, chaos and seasonal warmth, this one still hits the spot.
3.0 out of 5.0 starsMore to enjoy here at The Retro Network…
- Why the Lions and Cowboys Play Every Thanksgiving
- How Butterball Became a Thanksgiving Tradition
- WWF Survivor Series: The Birth of a Thanksgiving Tradition
- The Early Years of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Home for the Holidays: Another Thanksgiving Movie
Discover more from The Retro Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
