Over the past 72 years, cinephiles have been privy to a few iterations of Father of the Bride. Starting in 1950, Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor starred in the critically and commercially successful film that sparked not just 3 Academy Award nominations but also a sequel.
Forty-one years later, Steve Martin and Diane Keaton starred in the first remake of the film, one that has become one of my favorite remakes and romantic comedies of all time.
The chemistry and charm between the film’s spectacular cast ensemble make it a go-to in the Gonzalez household to this day. Similarly to its 40-year counterpart, the remake was incredibly successful, grossing $129 million on a $20 million budget, which led to a sequel.
Fast forward 30 years, and a new version of Father of the Bride has arrived, only this time with a fresh take. As a Cuban American, I was full of pride and anticipation when I heard the news that Cuban-born Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan were set to take this story into the 2020s. The importance of the LatinX community being represented in cinema remains a constant battle today, and it’s safe to say I was eager at what the final product would bestow amongst cinephiles.
Rich with themes of personal growth and cultural experiences, Gary Alazraki’s Father of Bride is a remake done right. Rather than copy and paste the previous iterations’ plots, Alazraki and writer Matt Lopez use the beats of the earlier films to create a fresh, original reinvention that respects both the Cuban and Mexican cultures rather than parodying them.
Father of the Bride follows Billy and Ingrid, who are dealing with marital issues when they are surprised by the reveal that their eldest daughter Sofia is engaged to her new boyfriend, Adan. To their surprise, Sofia is not just engaged but planning to marry quickly to start their life together in Mexico.
While not entirely on board, Billy commits to his fatherly duty in paying for the wedding and trying to roll with the punches. Billy feels strongly about maintaining not just familial traditions but cultural ones and many times struggles with a “my way or the highway mentality.” However, when Adan’s family arrives, things veer off course for him.
There is plenty to praise in director Alazraki’s film, but what first stands out is his respect for both cultures. There have been too many instances where films have molded the Latin culture into a singular experience; Father of the Bride does not. Instead, the film embraces Cuban and Mexican cultures to highlight each ethnicities’ experiences, music, games (I see you, dominos) and of course, their delicious food. I wake up every day proud to be a Cuban American, but seeing Materva on screen in a wide HBO Max release had me grinning from ear to ear.
While the film’s finale may be familiar for viewers of the previous versions, Matt Lopez’s screenplay shines a light on the consequences of masculinity that the old guard represents and the importance of blending the old guard with our new generation to find a happy medium. Coming from a traditional Cuban family, the importance of familial growth is always at the forefront, and Lopez’s script evokes that importance on the screen.
Gloria Estefan and Andy Garcia were tailor-made for these roles. Estefan’s Ingrid is given a backstory this time, giving the singer/actress more meat on the bone. Garcia is confident, warm, and downright hilarious, making the duo easy to invest in.
While all the supporting players, including Adria Arjona, Isabela Merced, and Pedro Damián, add to the family feel of the film, Estefan, and Garcia being at the center was a great choice and brought the film together in a satisfying fashion.
What’s sure to be divisive is Chloe Fineman’s wedding planner. While Martin Short and BD Wong can be seen as problematic in 2022, I can confidently say that I would take their portrayals in the 90s films over Fineman. Fineman’s jokes fail to land, and her reveal near the film’s finale makes her character entirely disposable.
Ultimately, Father of the Bride is rooted in Latinx pride. It is a remake that stands on its own two feet while respecting what made the original so beloved. The film is not always perfect, but it’s a beautiful story about family and culture that can’t be missed. It will become essential viewing for the Gonzalez family.
