These two gems from the nineties are much maligned, but IMO stand up well and are funny every time I see them. The performances by Martin Short as Franck are hilarious, the chemistry between Diane Keaton and Steve Martin is great, and they are both a riot, and the camoes by Eugene Levy (wedding singer in one and buyer of house in II) are a classic. Thoughts and opinions?

Look, I think Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Martin Short are great.

But in my opinion nobody can top the very ORIGINAL 'Father of the Bride' from 1951, starring Spencer Tracy and (a very young and beautiful) Elizabeth Taylor. Directed to near perfection by Vincente Minelli.

Followed a year later by the almost-but-not-quite as good 'Father's Little Dividen'.

Apple

Good point Apple, although I never liked Taylor calling Tracy "Pops."

I like the 'pops' thing. Somehow with the chemistry between Taylor and Tracy it came through as natural and charming. According to Elizabeth Taylor, the two of them remained close friends until his death and she always referred to him as 'pops'.

By the way...my FAVORITE scene in that movie is with Spencer Tracy all alone, trying on his old tuxedo and convincing himself it actually looks ok!! The reaction by Joan Bennet as the wife is terrific, too.

Apple

Yeah, which scene was reprised by Steve Martin donning that 70's disco tux.

I liked the scene where Tracy meets the in laws, and discovers that his counterpart shares a fondness ofr martinis...which is the only thing about anything that makes him happy.

BTW doesn't Tracy escape from all the lunacy by going out for ice cream, and doesnt he reprise that scene in Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

I don't recall a 'going out for ice cream' moment in Father of the Bride. But yes, in 'Guess Who's Coming...' I think he needs to get out for a while with his wife and decides during the ride to stop for ice cream. After which occurs the ugly incident with another driver that turns his attitude completely negative toward his daughter's impending marriage.

Apple

I agree! Although Martin Short is pretty hilarous in the remake.

I love those movies they are the kind you put on when you can't decide what to watch! I like when he flips over the hotdog buns reminds me of my Dad!

I agree! Although Martin Short is pretty hilarous in the remake. [/quote]And his sidekick Howard Weinstein.