‘Father Of Bride’ Remake/Sequel Has Fresh Storyline
At last - a sequel that doesn’t feel like a remake of the original!
It’s called “Father of the Bride Part II,” and it actually takes Steve Martin and friends down paths suggested in “Father of the Bride” (1991).
Moviegoers put up with a lot of recycling: The “Home Alone” and “Ace Ventura” sequels, for example, are merely embellished rehashes of their entertainingly shallow source-films - and yet these cinematic leftovers have hit big with a mass audience.
So a gem like “Father of the Bride Part II,” which actually reveals a story beyond the original, should become big box office.
Martin is in top antic form as George Banks, who is old enough to have grown children and a paid-off mortgage and young enough to enjoy middle age. The film requires certain shocks to George’s system: These come as announcements of impending motherhood from not only his daughter (Kimberly Williams) but also his wife (Diane Keaton).
George promptly decides he is (1) too young to be a grandfather and (2) too old to become a father once again. Martin gives a hilarious and often touching portrayal of a man attempting to backtrack on the treadmill of advancing age, and the screenplay (by producer Nancy Meyers and director Charles Shyer) hits a satisfying balance between sarcasm and tenderness.
“At least (going to the movies) will be economical,” muses Martin: “One child, two seniors.”
In a particularly welcome return from the 1991 “Father,” Martin Short comes close to stealing the show as an eccentric caterer who mangles the language with every syllable. Such details as Short’s reappearance make the film feel like coming home for anyone who enjoyed the opening chapter.
The “Father of the Bride” movies actually date from 1950, when Spencer Tracy portrayed a more staid version of the character whom Steve Martin has made his own. A sequel, “Father’s Little Dividend” (1951), found Tracy anguishing over impending grandfatherhood.
Which qualifies the new “F.O.B. Part II” as both a sequel to a remake and a remake of a sequel. It’s far and away a better picture than that status might suggest.
MEMO: These 2 sidebars appeared with the story: 1. “Father of the Bride Part II” Location: East Sprague, North Division and Coeur d’Alene cinemas Credits: Directed by Charles Shyer; starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams Running time: 1:57 Rating: PG
2. OTHER VIEW Here’s what another critic says about “Father of the Bride Part II:” Jay Boyar/Orlando Sentinel: “Father of the Bride Part II” is the sort of production that gives sequels and remakes bad names. Which is to say, it’s similar to the movies that inspired it, except in the crucial area of entertainment…There was nothing particularly brilliant about the idea for the 1991 production. But its firm, formal structure - taken almost entirely from the 1950 film - gave Martin a comfortable place to play around in. That 1991 movie was funny, fresh and unexpectedly poignant. Martin’s performance gave it heart. But as far as I can tell, there is no heart in “Part II” just a lot of sap. In a rare semi-satirical moment, George asks, “Hey, what are we? The Schmaltz Family?” The answer is: More than you know.
2. OTHER VIEW Here’s what another critic says about “Father of the Bride Part II:” Jay Boyar/Orlando Sentinel: “Father of the Bride Part II” is the sort of production that gives sequels and remakes bad names. Which is to say, it’s similar to the movies that inspired it, except in the crucial area of entertainment…There was nothing particularly brilliant about the idea for the 1991 production. But its firm, formal structure - taken almost entirely from the 1950 film - gave Martin a comfortable place to play around in. That 1991 movie was funny, fresh and unexpectedly poignant. Martin’s performance gave it heart. But as far as I can tell, there is no heart in “Part II” just a lot of sap. In a rare semi-satirical moment, George asks, “Hey, what are we? The Schmaltz Family?” The answer is: More than you know.