"A Great Family Film" | 2008-08-19 |
| - Reviewed By zkonedog |
In today's Hollywood climate, there are very few movies that appeal to an entire family. Children want to see Hannah Montana, teens want Harry Potter and superheroes, while adults want very R-rated drama. Thus, it is refreshing to see a movie that can be classified as a solid family film, which Father of the Bride very much is.
While comedic in nature (how could it not be starring Steve Martin?!), this film is also a touching commentary on how families change (for better or worse) when marriages occur. Its blend of hilarious comedy and touching emotions will have you holding your sides one minute and reaching for the Kleenex box the next.
The real brilliance of this film, however, comes from the terrific acting. Martin's knack for physical comedy is spot-on as the often-flummoxed "Dear Old Dad", while Diane Keaton plays a great "straight 'man'" to Martin's wild antics. Even the then-fresh Kimberly Williams (before she became Mrs. Brad Paisley) is able to nail the emotions of a young bride being swept off her feet.
Overall, this is a great family film that offers something for everyone. Adults will be touched by the film's message, teens will identify with Williams' character, and even younger children will appreciate the physical comedy. If you are planning a wedding, just finished one, or are part of any sort of family structure whatsoever, you will love this film! |
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"Funny and Touching" | 2008-07-28 |
| - Reviewed By net-wait |
| I found this to be funny, touching and entertaining. A cheapskate dad has to let go of his "little girl" and some of his money. The women in his life make it impossible for him to do anything other than go along with it all, and that's what makes it funny.... just how he comes to accept the situation. When dear old dad does, all goes well and is where the film is touching. |
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"Schmaltzy Turd" | 2008-04-27 |
| - Reviewed By kermitt42 |
| This schmaltzy little turd is the gooey Hallmark card you put down and run away from. It just about ruined the good names of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Diane Keaton for me. There is a total lack of quality physical or verbal humor to alleviate the simpering sentimental tone of this film... and I like crappy sentimental films! The writing of the film is certainly most to blame and Steve Martin's narration makes me want to kill myself and frankly I've never seen him so totally unfunny. The same goes for Martin Short who can ordinarily make almost anything funny... but here uses an excessive accent, costuming, and hairdo to little comedic effect. Diane Keaton's faux mistiness as the loving mother is a total betrayal of all the good work she has done over the years. It's hard to blame the bland supporting cast for this disaster... I mean they memorized their lines and delivered them. What else could they do? However, no doubt to their dismay, this film was not a career starter for anybody that wasn't already a big deal. Eugene Levy's 20 second cameo is really the best this tripe offered. Take a pass on this one unless you like this genre at its worst. |
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"*Great Movie!*" | 2008-03-09 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1RJXK6KF3LL5R |
| A very good movie that you can enjoy forever.One you can share with the family for all to enjoy.A true classic. |
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"Father of the Bride" | 2008-02-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3GBGEL1NCY161 |
| Steve Martin is always good. It's nice to see him in a role that isn't nutty like, The Jerk. It's a great family movie. Diane Keaton is great, one of her best roles. Martin Short really makes the movie. The role of Frank is just "fabulous". It's a film I watch over and over. |
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"Great interaction" | 2008-01-12 |
| - Reviewed By andyroo31 |
| You know those rare times when you see two actors really play well off of each other? That's what you'll see between Steve Martin and Diane Keaton in Father of the Bride. Even if this movie were rotten (and let me be clear - it is far from rotten), the interaction and chemistry between Martin and Keaton would be well worth your viewing time. The two actors have accompanied each other to the Academy Awards a few times, so their on screen magic must have been in part because Martin and Keaton genuinely like each other. I went into this movie wanting to love it - in my view, Steve Martin is a comedic genius, and Diane Keaton is a fine and incredibly versatile performer. I didn't expect to enjoy their interactions as much as I did, so considering my expectations were high to begin with you can understand why I recommend this film. Remakes can be hit or miss, and this one is right on target. |
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"Funny and Touching Comedy" | 2007-12-26 |
| - Reviewed By carstairs38 |
George Banks (Steve Martin) has just heard the words every father dreads. His daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams) has just announced that she's getting married to Bryan (George Newbern), a man she met while studying in Europe. While George's wife Nina (Diane Keaton) is thrilled by the news, George doesn't handle it well. After all, this means big changes happening in his life. And he doesn't cope well with change.
So, naturally, he handles this the way any dad would. He starts watching "America's Most Wanted" in case Bryan is on it. And when it comes to planning the wedding, his idea is cheap and informal, much to the women's dismay. Will he ever get with the program? And if he does, will he survive the big day?
This movie isn't a laugh until it hurts comedy. There are plenty of laugh out loud parts, but the humor is often subtler. While some of George's antics are definitely over the top and border on embarrassing, the movie manages to find the balance between embarrassment and humor. And the ending it truly touching.
And I can't say enough about the acting. Everyone is believable. In fact, what makes the movie work is the fact that every one of the characters and actors seems absolutely real. The exception, of course, are Franck and Howard, the over the top wedding coordinators played by Martin Short and B. D. Wong who absolutely steal every scene they are in.
Whether you've gone through a wedding or not, this movie will make you laugh and touch you. And what more could you want from a wedding, and movie, then that? |
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"Wholesome." | 2007-12-19 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2PV6GK1HV54Y9 |
| Father of the Bride starring Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and Martin Short is a delighful comedy that has wit and sincerity. Kimberly Williams plays the bride-to-be. Martin steals every scene, he is truly a comic genius. I highly recommend the sequel as well, even better than this movie. Enjoy! |
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"Good and Funny" | 2007-12-02 |
| - Reviewed By User: AC4N90LKIWFDT |
| My only daughter got married last April. As the wedding day was approaching I thought this video would be fitting! I'm just thankful that my daughter's wedding preparation, etc. wasn't like the movie! :D |
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"Great movie" | 2007-09-17 |
| - Reviewed By laurie4943 |
| This is a wonderful movie. No sex, no bad words, just a healthy, happy film about a family adjusting to their oldest child getting married. It is particularly good for those whose daughters have a great relationship with their fathers. We have 2 daughters and the whole family sat down to watch it the night before both girls got married. That is a very sentimental time to watch it but any time you want a good family movie this is the one. The characters are very funny without trying hard to be funny. Both sentimental and humorous. |
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