Father of the Bride 2 (1995)

A (Rare) Good Sequel

The first "Father of the Bride" film made us hold our sides in both laughter and tears, meshing Steve Martin's great comedic "Dad" character with the emotions of marrying off his "only" (to that point!) daughter. However, when viewing the sequel to this great film, I was cautious...too often, sequels play for exactly the same type of laughs as the original (think "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls") and thus fail to deliver like their predecessor. Thankfully, "Father of the Bride II" does not fall into this trap.

With daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams, who ratchets up her acting skills in this film compared to the first) announcing she is pregnant, father George (Martin) grapples with the conflicting emotions of becoming a grandfather. Further complicating things (and adding a bit of hilarity!) is the rather unexpected pregnancy of George's wife Nina (Diane Keaton). Thus, while coming to terms with his new identity, George also must deal with two pregnant women!

Not only is this film filled with comedic genius, though, but it also delivers just as many (if not more) touching emotional moments. Whereas the first film captured George's equal parts happiness and sadness at seeing his daughter leave, this movie proves to be just as potent regarding George's identity crisis. With his whole life in flux (the comedic portion of the film), George begins to remember what really matters in the first place: family.

Overall, this film is just as good as the original. The combination of genuine emotion and smart (not crude) humor is a welcome balance and counterpoint to other Hollywood fare. Let's just say that if a "Grandfather of the Bride" were in the works, I would be first in line. August 20, 2008

Funnier than the first

This film is funnier than the first. Given the subject of becoming a grandfather, and a dad again at the same time, this gives Steve Martin the chance to really cut loose - and he does!

Throw in a little bit of a mid-life crisis and you have a wonderful comedy! July 28, 2008

Father of the Bride is Hilarious!

I just finished watching this movie last night and I wholeheartedly recommend it as a great movie for the entire family! This is perhaps the best movie rental I have seen this year.

I have followed the career of Steve Martin since the 1970's. His comedy routine was really over the top in terms of his nightclub and television presentation. Lots of sight gags and exaggerated funny stories. I guess I expected the same sort of humor from this movie and fortunately, was I wrong. Instead, Martin has a genius for a very suble humor that is absolutely hilarious. I laughed out loud and actually fell on the floor laughing in one scene.

A well-done movie should make you laugh, cry, and think. This movie does it all. Watch it with someone you love, and just see the emotions this movie evokes. It has something for every age and is not offensive whatsoever. I congratulate the producers for giving the American public a film that the entire family can appreciate and be entertained by.

This movie immediately rocketed to the top of my "funniest movie ever" category. And it is because I could relate to the situations presented, the feelings of the characters, and the inherent humor in the lives of the characters.

Yet, this movie is not just a comedy. It is a coming of age movie for baby-boomers, and for twenty-somethings. It made me laugh out loud, evokes copious tears many times, and made me think about what is really important in life. The core message of the film is that family and relationships are what makes life worth living. Steve Martin (as George), has a telling moment at the hospital as both his wife and his daughter are about to deliver at the same time. Martin turns to the young female doctor and says, "Doctor, these two women are my entire life". (In other words, I love them so much; don't let anything happen to them!). That one line is the essence of the film, and life in general.

Diane Keaton's smile is so lovely, and she is the perfect foil for the serious George (Steve Martin). There is quality in every aspect of this film. The supporting cast is exceptional, with Martin Short's characterization of the obviously gay wedding/baby shower planner a sure laugh producer!

This is a 5-star movie in my book. I love the sets, the background music, the acting, - everything! Most highly recommended! Please Hollywood producers, give us more movies like this!

Jim Koenig July 27, 2008

Father of the Bride II

A great feel good movie. one of a few sequel movies that actually works. April 7, 2008

Awesome

I loved this movie, I could watch it over and over.....Steve Martin is the best......Really sweet movie... January 27, 2008

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