If it wasn't for Steve Martin, this would be an absolute clunker. He is certainly one of our comic geniuses (and could do serious roles if he decided to). In this remake of the Spencer Tracy film, he is obsessed with the idea that he will lose his daughter to some rich jerk. Unfortunately, the ship has sailed and we get to see him at his irrational best. He is outvoted at every turn. Things begin to get really expensive and really outrageous. Now, enter Martin Short as the decorator and wedding planner. His quirky foreign presence really upsets the apple cart. Of course, this is a feel good movie (although I couldn't get over the excesses--I have a real problem with huge, expensive weddings), so I don't think I'm going to spoil anything by saying it's going to work out. There are no mass murders or alien invasions. There are no cancer diagnoses. It's just a sappy sentimental movie and Steve Martin is the star.
Review of Father of the Bride
