Father of the Bride (DVD, 1999)

The sweetness that "Father of the Bride" exudes does not stem from the fact that it is funny, but rather because it is honest. It's a remake of the 1950s Spencer Tracy classic (which is great in its own right), but has more warmth about it than that film did. It doesn't rely on slapstick as much as it does on the realistic and ironic lead performance by Steve Martin. This is Martin's second favorite film that he has starred in (behind "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and followed by "Little Shop of Horrors"), and I can see why.

Martin stars as George Banks, a wealthy upper-class businessman living in Suburban America with a gentle wife (Diane Keaton) and feisty son (Kieran Culkin). His oldest daughter (Kimberly Williams) has finally grown up and departed the house, and the day she comes home with a fiancée he literally has a panic attack.

She's getting married to possibly the most sensitive man in the world, but George is oblivious to this. All he sees are two big words flashing about the room: LOSING and DAUGHTER. But he is even more upset when he realizes the cost of the wedding: about a couple hundred dollars per head, multiplied by six hundred. You do the math.

Nina (Keaton) and her daughter hire Franck Eggelhoffer to handle the wedding, and Eggelhoffer is one of Martin Short's finest roles. Short, an ex-"SNL" member, and star of "Three Amigos" (which also starred Martin), is simply hilarious as the ecstatic and eccentric Frenchman. Amidst the ceremony's setup procedures, George cannot believe he is the only one who realizes just how crazy the cost of the wedding is.

Let's get this straight: "Father of the Bride" is nothing great. It's been done before, and it will be done again (and it has). Yet because of a likable and warm presence, the movie is more than just the sentimental goo that it nearly becomes at certain points throughout. It's truthful, blunt, and occasionally rather funny, which makes for an entertaining and extremely likable motion picture.

This is not Steve Martin's greatest role. That honor would go to his portrayal of frustrated advertising executive Neal Page in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." But here he provides us with a character almost as realistic, touching and likable. Neal was the character we empathized with in "Planes," and in "Bride" it's essentially the same for Martin. We're seeing the world through his eyes - which explains the reason it is quite often very overwhelming and comical.

The movie indeed benefits from Martin's portrayal of a worried father - not as scared by the fact that his daughter is getting married, as he is by the idea that he will undoubtedly lose her to another man. It's a turning point in both their lives, but it doubles for him. Not only has he essentially lost his daughter, but also he has also just been faced with the reality that he is old enough to nearly be a granddad. This would leave good room for a sequel. Oh, wait...

This movie will have tears literally rolling down your cheeks as you laugh at the incredibly funny lines. Steve Martin is simply hilarious as the father of the 23-year-old bride. The rest of the cast is awesome as well.
This movie boasts an excellent script, good sets, and beautiful music. The acting is over-the-top. If you have any kind of affinity for comedy, you'll love every moment of Father of the Bride.
Yet despite its side-splitting humor, this film has some remarkably touching scenes between father and daughter as well. It's an all-around great movie and a must have for all adults!

Fun little movie. Great for all ages and appropriate for kids.
Great cast. Martin Short as the wedding planner was perfect. Steve
Martin's character was funny AND believable. Be sure to catch the
sequel.

Great movie to watch for reminding or remembering how your Dad believed you as a Daughter was/is so special to him..& wanted the best for his little girl..Very sweet & true in some ways for us all..family that is..even when we're not perfect..it's humorous & sincere too..

I love, love LOVE this movie! I have seen it about 20 times and still every time it gets me laughing. One of the best things also is that the sequel to this movie is just as fabulous! If you love romantic comedies this one is for you!