Review of Father of the Bride (1991) by Stevenf — 24 Sep 2013

Well it certainly doesn't get more happy or possess the soft chewy centre that 'Father of the Bride' has, it's joyful, weepy, heavily flawed yet such a feel good journey from beginning to end. Steve Martin commands the screen and calmly narrates this mash-up of coming of age, comedy, letting go and matrimony.

Martin plays George Banks, a typical 'dad' who protects and looks after his own, so you could imagine that when his daughter, Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) announces she is getting married to a virtual stranger in the form of Bryan (George Newbern) George is less than impressed, his slip of the tongue and erratic behaviour says it all, but there is never any danger that the film will throw some twisted turn of fate, a film so full of joy it can actually hurt to smile that much, while all the usual wedding obstacles occur, but these are really only there for the comedy value, not for reflective means, but the comedy is certainly there, in the form of Martin Short sporting a very peculiar accent, his flamboyant and barely understandable voice make up a fair amount of gags and generally funny personality traits.

My lingering problem is the amount of fluttering butterflies that the film creates, it paints a picture that any wedding you wish to have is possible, which is untrue, but I don't believe the film was about creating a realistic explanation, but more show the journey the parents make, but again, the journey only seems to consist of daddy, as esteemed actress Diane Keaton, who plays other Nina, plays a largely unimportant role, perhaps a traditional scenario calls for a father and his daughter, but the mother is as equally important.

Soundtrack, dialogue and flowing direction make this the joyous occasion indeed, granted it can often fill one with false hope, but strong performances and some heartfelt scenes make this is a very happy affair, perhaps one of the happiest, the chemistry between Martin and Williams-Paisley is convincing and full of meaningful tone, Steve Martin especially controls the situation, it's really his film and that's not a bad thing, his charisma and attitude make the film what it is, it's quite difficult to imagine anyone else in the role, even after all these years.

Not the most convincing of messages throughout the film, but it definitely feels good to sit and watch the film, relaxing, funny, well orchestrated and insightful for all.