Honestly, if you grew up in the nineties, you probably have a very specific mental image of Pauly Shore. Maybe it's the neon vests. Maybe it's the "bu-ddy" catchphrase. But for most of us, the definitive "Weasel" moment is the Pauly Shore Son in Law movie. Released in 1993, this flick wasn't just another bargain-bin comedy; it was the peak of a specific brand of MTV-fueled chaos that somehow, against all odds, became a genuine cult classic. Critics at the time mostly hated it. Roger Ebert gave it two stars. Yet, if you flip through cable channels today or scroll through streaming libraries, it’s still there. People still watch it.
The premise is a classic "fish out of water" setup. We've seen it a thousand times, right? But what made Son in Law different was the specific collision of 1990s Los Angeles "grindage" culture with the stoic, traditional values of a Midwestern farming family. It’s a movie that feels like a time capsule. You have Pauly Shore playing Crawl, a perpetual college student who ends up spending Thanksgiving in South Dakota with his friend Rebecca, played by Carla Gugino.
Rebecca is the straight man here. She’s the girl who went off to college to find herself and ended up bringing home a guy who looks like he’s made of spandex and hairspray. The dynamic works because Gugino is actually a great actress—long before she was in The Haunting of Hill House—and she grounds the movie. Without her, Pauly would just be floating in space. Instead, he has something to bounce his weirdness off of.
The Weird Alchemy of the Pauly Shore Son in Law Movie
What people often forget about the Pauly Shore Son in Law movie is that it’s surprisingly wholesome. Underneath the burping jokes and the chaotic energy, it’s a story about not judging a book by its cover. Crawl might be a total weirdo, but he’s also the most observant person in the room. He notices the family’s unhappiness long before they do. He sees that the dad, Walter (played by the late, great Lane Smith), is overworked and stressed. He sees that the mom, Connie, feels neglected.
Crawl isn't a villain. He isn't trying to corrupt anyone. He just wants everyone to relax. He’s the catalyst for change in a town that hasn't changed since the Eisenhower administration.
There's this one scene that basically defines the movie. Crawl is out in the fields, and he’s trying to help with the harvest. He ends up on a tractor, and it's pure slapstick. But the dialogue? It’s classic Shore. He’s talking to the crops. He’s treating the farm like a rave. It shouldn't work. On paper, it sounds exhausting. But Shore had this specific charisma back then—a sort of harmless, puppy-like energy that made you root for him even when he was being annoying.
Why the 90s Comedy Formula Stuck
Hollywood doesn't really make movies like this anymore. Nowadays, comedies are either massive $100 million action-comedies or tiny indie projects. The "mid-budget studio comedy" is basically extinct. Back in '93, Disney (under their Hollywood Pictures banner) knew exactly how to market this. They knew that if they put Shore in a haystack, people would pay ten bucks to see it.
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The supporting cast is secretly stacked too. You’ve got Tiffani Thiessen—fresh off Saved by the Bell—playing the "mean girl" rival back in the small town. You’ve got Patrick Renna, the kid from The Sandlot, as the younger brother. It’s a roster of 90s icons that makes the movie feel even more nostalgic today. When we talk about the Pauly Shore Son in Law movie, we’re talking about a very specific era of filmmaking where you could build an entire film around a personality rather than an IP.
Cultural Impact and the "Weasel" Legacy
Let’s be real: Pauly Shore was everywhere for about three years. He had Encino Man, Son in Law, and In the Army Now. Then, the bubble burst. But Son in Law is the one that people actually remember fondly. It’s the one where he felt most "human."
A lot of the humor comes from the culture clash. In one scene, Crawl tries to "modernize" the farm family. He gives the grandpa a makeover. He teaches the mom how to dance. It’s silly, sure, but it touches on a universal truth: sometimes you need an outsider to show you what’s right in front of your face.
Critics call it "low-brow." Fans call it "comfort food."
There's a reason why TikTok is currently full of Gen Z kids discovering Pauly Shore for the first time. The fashion in the movie—the oversized flannels, the wild hair, the layered jewelry—is actually back in style. It’s bizarre to see, but the Pauly Shore Son in Law movie has become an accidental style guide for 2024 and 2025. Crawl’s aesthetic is basically what you see in any coffee shop in Brooklyn or Silver Lake right now.
The Scenes That Everyone Remembers
If you ask anyone about this movie, they always bring up the "Thanksgiving Dinner" scene. It’s the climax of the awkwardness. Crawl is trying to fit in, the local boyfriend (Travis) is trying to humiliate him, and the tension is thick enough to cut with a steak knife.
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Then there's the "Crawl-style" makeover of the farm.
The movie manages to hit these beats without being mean-spirited. That’s the key. Most modern comedies rely on "cringe" humor where you’re laughing at someone’s misfortune. Son in Law lets you laugh with the characters. Even when Crawl is making a fool of himself, he’s having the time of his life. That positivity is infectious. It’s why the movie has such a high "rewatchability" factor.
Honestly, the soundtrack helps too. It’s a mix of early 90s rock and country that perfectly captures the vibe of the transition from the hair-metal 80s into the grunge 90s. It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s perfectly Pauly.
Technical Details and Trivia
- Director: Steve Rash (who also directed The Buddy Holly Story—talk about range).
- Release Date: July 2, 1993.
- Box Office: It pulled in about $36 million. In today’s money, that’s a very solid hit for a low-budget comedy.
- Filming Locations: Most of the "South Dakota" scenes were actually filmed in Utah. The landscape is beautiful, and it adds a cinematic quality that most cheap comedies lack.
There’s a persistent rumor that a sequel has been in the works for years. Pauly himself has teased it on social media. Whether or not it ever happens, the original stands on its own. It’s a piece of pop culture history that refuses to die.
Does it hold up?
This is the big question. If you watch the Pauly Shore Son in Law movie today, will you still like it?
Well, it depends. If you hate slapstick, you’re going to have a hard time. If you find Pauly Shore’s voice grating, you won't make it past the first ten minutes. But if you’re looking for something that is genuinely heartfelt and doesn't take itself seriously, it’s a gem. It’s a reminder of a time when movies were allowed to be "dumb" and "fun" without having to set up a cinematic universe.
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The movie deals with themes of identity and belonging. Rebecca feels like she doesn't fit in her hometown anymore after seeing the world. Crawl doesn't fit in anywhere except when he’s being himself. By the end of the film, they’ve both found a middle ground. It’s a simple arc, but it’s effective.
What to Watch After Son in Law
If you’ve revisited the Pauly Shore Son in Law movie and you’re craving more of that specific 90s energy, you have a few options.
- Encino Man: This is the obvious one. Pauly and Brendan Fraser. It’s a classic.
- Bio-Dome: This is where things get really weird. It’s Shore and Stephen Baldwin trapped in an ecological experiment. It’s much more "stoner comedy" than Son in Law.
- A Goofy Movie: Believe it or not, Pauly Shore voices the character Bobby Zimuruski (the guy obsessed with the leaning tower of Cheeza). It’s basically Crawl in animated form.
There's something comforting about these movies. They remind us of a time when the biggest problem in the world was whether or not the cool city guy would impress the farm girl’s dad.
The Enduring Legacy of Crawl
At its core, the Pauly Shore Son in Law movie is about acceptance. It’s about the fact that you can be a total weirdo—a "Weasel"—and still be a good person. It’s about the idea that family isn't just about blood; it’s about the people who show up for you, even if they show up wearing a neon-green vest and riding a riding mower into a swimming pool.
So, next time you’re scrolling through your streaming apps and you see that goofy face staring back at you, give it a chance. It’s better than you remember. It’s funnier than the critics said it was. And honestly? We could all use a little more of Crawl’s "don't worry, be happy" attitude right now.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're looking to dive back into the world of 90s Pauly Shore or just want to celebrate this cult classic, here's how to do it right:
- Check the Streaming Status: As of 2026, the movie frequently rotates through platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and occasionally Netflix. It's also usually available for a cheap digital rental on Amazon.
- Host a 90s Double Feature: Pair Son in Law with Encino Man for the ultimate "Early Shore" experience. It’s a fascinating look at how Disney’s Hollywood Pictures tried to mold him into a leading man.
- Follow the Man Himself: Pauly Shore is very active on social media (especially Instagram and TikTok). He often shares behind-the-scenes stories and fan art related to Crawl. He's also been touring with his band, Pauly Shore and The Crustys, and doing stand-up.
- Look for the Physical Release: If you’re a collector, try to find the Blu-ray. The colors of the 90s outfits really pop in high definition, and it’s a great way to ensure you always have access to the "grindage" whenever you need it.
Ultimately, the Pauly Shore Son in Law movie isn't just a movie. It's a vibe. It's a memory of a louder, brighter, and perhaps simpler time in comedy history. Grab some snacks, find a comfy spot on the couch, and get ready to chill with the Weasel. It’s exactly what the doctor ordered.