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Father of the Bride Part II (PG, 1995)

common sense media says

Lightweight family film is funny, but predictable.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the main plot line concerns the double pregnancy of a mother and daughter. Some issues discussed are menopause, childbirth, and labor. The intense labor and delivery sequences are mostly off camera, mild, and don't portray significantly painful episodes. An accidental prostate exam is played for broad humor, however, the true nature of the test will probably go over the heads of most kids. Middle Eastern homebuyer is presented as cartoon stereotype. An effeminate family friend is the source of much of the movie's humor.

Positive messages: General overview of family presents caring, loyal, honest parents and children. Positive, thoughtful discussion of modern young woman's dilemma managing marriage, career, and parenting. Extremely stereotypical Middle Eastern character played for comedy. Strikingly effete character provides lots of laughs...he's a wedding planner, he's an interior decorator, he's an exercise guru.
Violence: Two dogs bare teeth at hero for comic effect. Momentary threat of hoodlums who shout from a nearby car.
Sex: Husband embraces wife in shadows; cuddling; warm kiss between husband and wife with suggestion of more to follow; married couple seen contentedly together after making love, no nudity.
Language: "Bitchin'," "swear to God."
Consumerism: Some products mentioned in dialog only: Coca Cola, Harleigh, Tums, Dom Perignon, Pepto Bismol, Geritol.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Couple shares wine after sex; a strong, fictitious sleeping pill (VASNICK) played for big laughs; family drinks wine at dinner.
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More on Father of the Bride Part II

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how the filmmakers show George Banks' difficulty in accepting the fact that he's getting older. Were those scenes funny? Did they help you understand him? How does the Banks family adjust to the sudden, unexpected news of middle-aged mom's pregnancy at the same time her daughter is expecting? In what ways do the characters and situations seem real? Not real? Were the filmmakers making fun of the man who bought the Banks house? What is the difference between finding the humor in our cultural differences and mocking those cultures?

What's the story?

What's the story?

George Banks (Steve Martin) has barely gotten used to the idea that his oldest child is all grown up and married, when suddenly he has to face the prospect of becoming a grandfather. Just when he starts getting to used to that notion, his world is turned topsy-turvy when he learns that he's going to be a father again himself! Complicating everything is the fact that he's just sold the family house without even consulting his wife, Nina (Diane Keaton) and the rest of the Banks clan. This sequel to Father of the Bride follows the Banks family along the classic sitcom path of miscommunication and growing pains bested by resourcefulness, warm humor, and the expected sweet resolution.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The writer-director-producing team capitalized once again on a very successful franchise that began in 1950 with the original Father of the Bride, starring Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor. This one is short on originality, but long on pratfalls and farce. It's a simple, highly improbable story with absolutely no surprises, but what makes FATHER OF THE BRIDE PART II enjoyable are the antics and ultimate lovability of Steve Martin, as well as Martin Short as the androgynous Franck Engelhoffer, jack-of-all-feminine-trades who's along for a very predictable ride.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Touchstone Pictures
Director: Charles Shyer
Cast: Diane Keaton, Martin Short, Steve Martin
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 106 minutes
Theatrical release: December 8, 1995
DVD release: May 9, 2000
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: some mild language and thematic elements
This review was written by Renee Schonfeld
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

bobsax
parent of 12 year old
12
 
Not really worth it
You have to be a pretty big Steve Martin fan to sit through this one. It's a little sappy .
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
musicfan789
teen, 14 years old
9
 
great for kids who love a good laugh
I think this movie has great family values and it is a great movie when u need a good laugh
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

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