Starring:
Steve Martin as George Stanley Banks
Diane Keaton as Nina Banks
Kimberly Williams as Annie Banks
Kieran Culkin as Matty Banks
George Newbern as Bryan MacKenzie
Martin Short as Franck Eggelhoffer
B.D. Wong as Howard Weinstein
Peter Michael Goetz as John MacKenzie
Kate McGregor-Stewart as Joanna MacKenzie
Carmen Hayward as Grace
April Ortiz as Olivia
Mina Vasquez as Marta
Gibby Brand as David
Richard Portnow as Al
Special Features:
An Invitation To FATHER OF THE BRIDE
Steve Martin & Martin Short Interview Each Other
Audio Commentary With Director/Screenwriter Charles Shyer
Other Info:
Widescreen (1.85:1)
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
French Language
Running Time: 105 Minutes
Synopsis:
This film was originally released in 1991. The following is the description from the DVD cover:
“You’re invited to celebrate with this funnier-than-ever 15th Anniversary Special Edition of a timeless comedy. Steve Martin delivers a winning performance as George Banks, the befuddled father who has a hard time letting go of his young daughter (Kimberly Williams) when she unexpectedly announces her plans to wed. The “I do’s” and don’ts of her big day prove no small feat for George as he runs into an off-the-wall wedding planner (funnyman Martin Short), his patient, level-headed wife (Diane Keaton), and hysterical hitches. You won’t want to miss the never-before-seen bonus features, including behind-the-scenes interviews, commentary, and the Steve Martin & Martin Short interview — now available to have and to hold forever!”
Father of the Bride is rated PG.
The Movie:
Since this film came out 14 years ago (and despite this being the “15th Anniversary Special Edition”, it’s only 14 years old), you’ve already had plenty of opportunities to check it out. You also know if it’s worth adding to your collection. But if you haven’t seen it, I have to say that it’s worth picking up. It’s a nice, sweet comedy that features fine performances by Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams, and Martin Short. Father of the Bride features everything from tender moments to slapstick. (A scene where Martin embarrasses himself at the future in-laws house is unforgettable.) If you’re young then you’ll identify with the young couple getting married. If you have kids of your own then you’ll identify with Martin coming to terms with giving up his daughter. There’s a little something here for everyone. If you’re in the mood for a sweet comedy or if you’re a fan of Steve Martin and Martin Short, then you’ll want to check out Father of the Bride.
The Extras:
Despite this being a “15th Anniversary Special Edition”, the bonus features are rather light:
An Invitation To Father of the Bride This is your standard “making of” feature. It contains interviews with the cast and crew, behind the scenes footage, etc. It’s kind of interesting to see everyone 10 years younger.
Steve Martin & Martin Short Interview Each Other This is the best of the bonus features and it is quite funny. Martin and Short joke about the roles they play in the film, which one is funnier, etc etc etc. Very little of what they have to say is NOT a joke.
Audio Commentary With Director/Screenwriter Charles Shyer Shyer provides the commentary alone for this special edition. He mentions that it was recorded recently. Shyer has lots of interesting things to say about the shoot, working with the actors, etc, but it would have been more fun if some of the cast had joined in with him on his trip down memory lane.
The Bottom Line:
While this 15th Anniversary Special Edition doesn’t have all that much special to offer, Father of the Bride alone is plenty of entertainment and well worth checking out if you’ve never seen it.
