Laughter and Love: Exploring the Magic in 'Father of the Bride'

The wedding is only a few days away! Let’s set everything up.

Father of the Bride walked down the aisle and into theaters in 1991. George Banks has mixed feelings when his daughter announces she is getting married. As wedding plans go underway, George’s attitude makes planning difficult, along with letting go of his daughter.

Father of the Bride is a classic. I watched this film a while ago and returned to it on a very hot day. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming movie. The film is relatable to all families and kids when it’s time to leave the nest. The movie beautifully balanced humor and a heartwarming moral about family love.

Steve Martin is a legend in the comedy world. He has always been one of my favorite actors. Although he’s matched up in similar dad roles, Martin does a good job implementing new acting techniques. His comedic timing is impeccable, whether he's bumbling through a meeting with the wedding planner or having a meltdown over the escalating costs of the wedding.

As a stern, but loving father, Martin is endearing in the role of George Banks. He’s very paranoid over the situation, even going as far as snooping through his soon-to-be in-law's bank book. George’s role as a father is important, making him realize his love and devotion to his family.

I will forever adore the scene with George and Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) battling each other in basketball. This was Williams-Paisley’s debut. They created a genuine father-daughter bond. Their relationship is what the film is about. All their scenes are heartwarming, including where George helps Annie evaluate a misinterpretation with her fiance.

Relationships play a huge theme in Father of the Bride. Diane Keaton plays Nina Banks. She is a wonderful actress who has had a strong career. This film is about the father-daughter bond, but George and Nina’s dynamic cannot go unnoticed. Nina keeps her husband grounded from all his paranoia and shenanigans. It’s a testament to their love story and devotion.

Everyone did a great job in their roles. Credits include Kieran Culkin, George Newborn, BD Wong, Peter Michael Goetz, and an ensemble of friends and family members at the wedding. The film also marked the debuts of Tom Irish and Hallie Meyers-Shyer.

The film contains the famous acting duo, Steve Martin and Martin Short. Nobody else could have played the neurotic wedding planning like Short. He invented his own hilarious accent. Steam is shooting out of George’s ears the more expensive the wedding becomes.

I’ve only watched Father of the Bride twice, and both times I was laughing out loud! I miss when films didn’t try so hard with comedy. The absurdities of wedding planning are exaggerated to hilarious effect. That scene where George accidentally tosses the bank book in the pool is the funniest. Background humor needs to return.

Charles Shyer made this film close to the heart. Father of the Bride has a sincere tone that’s hard to find in movies right now. Family is so important and sometimes we don’t realize how fast time goes. The film poignantly explores the theme of letting go, as George comes to terms with the fact that his little girl is growing up and starting a new chapter in her life.

This movie will forever make me smile and laugh. It’s a perfect blend of comedy, heart, and relatable themes. It’s one of those feel-good films that never gets old. To anyone who has not seen Father of the Bride, watch it. It’s a fun comedy to let go of stress.