Father of the Bride / Father of the Bride Part 2 Blu-ray Review
Rebeca Surber Swank
June 7th, 2012
“I used to think a wedding was a simple affair. Boy and girl meet, they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say I do. I was wrong. That’s getting married. A wedding is an entirely different proposition.” In the 1991 hit film, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, George Banks is delighted when his daughter returns from studying abroad but is shocked to learn that she is engaged to a young man he has yet to meet. With a wedding quickly approaching, George (Steve Martin) struggles to get behind the idea that his little girl is all grown up and that a wedding is bigger than anything he ever imagined. Coming unglued in only the way a loving, trying father could, George along with his wife, Nina (Diane Keaton) do what they can to give Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisely) the wedding of her dreams. This includes hiring an outlandish wedding planner named Franck (Martin Short), meeting their uber-wealthy in-laws and changing their house from top to bottom.
When it comes to perfect comedic timing with fantastic acting chops, Steve Martin is one of the greats. There is no exception to his prowess in this film. Showing us his softer side, the love he shares for his daughter radiates through the screen. He gives us heart, insanity and hilarity in one complete package. Playing off Martin’s uptight persona, Martin Short’s Franck is one of the best caricatures in cinema. Short’s zany accent gives this film an added touch of comedy keeping the overall tone of this sentimental wedding flick light and fresh.
In 1995, FATHER OF THE BRIDE PART II reunites us with the Banks and MacKenzie families but this time, instead of a wedding announcement, George Banks must wrap his brain around the fact that he is going to be a grandfather. To prove he is not old enough to wear the title ‘grandpa’ he works out, dyes his hair and has a romantic rendezvous with his wife in the kitchen. Color him (and Nina) surprised when they learn they too are expecting a baby after selling their home to Mr. Habbib (Eugene Levy). Losing his cool once again, George Banks enlists the help of Franck to throw a dual baby shower for his wife and daughter.
This film is a bit more hokey than the first but it is just as special. The actors in this film work with the hijinks that are in this rinse and repeat script: George is surprised with shocking news, freaks out and then comes around just in time for the big moment. Supporting actress Jane Adams does a great job as Dr. Megan Eisenberg. She is sure and confident and adds a bit of stability to the chaos during the delivery. PART II has more laugh out loud moments for me than the first, probably because there are more outrageous uncomfortable moments to enjoy. I cannot tell you how many times I have watched these movies over the years and with each viewing they continue to pull at my heartstrings.
BLU-RAY REVIEW
Video (1.85:1): Excellent Blu-ray transfer. The wedding looked festive and the fall colors are sharp in both FATHER OF THE BRIDE’s.
Audio (DTS HD Master Audio 5.1): Perfect audio for all the wacky family dialogue.
View FATHER OF THE BRIDE with Audio Commentary by Co-Writer and Director Charles Shyer: This commentary feels like looking back on memories with a good friend. I like his stories and the inside moments he shares.
An Invitation to FATHER OF THE BRIDE (10:36): A standard making of, with an inside look into the father, mother, bride, groom, wedding coordinator, the wedding,
Martin & Short Interview Each Other (5:14): The duo improv, riff and spoof one another. A fabulous quick laugh with these two seasoned comedians.
[fbcomments]
