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Father of the Bride Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    51

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 20

    out of 100

    Village Voice Amy Taubin

    Martin's grin-and-don't-bare-it performance lifts the picture above sitcom level. [31 Dec 1991]

  • 50

    out of 100

    USA Today Mike Clark

    A few bits are filler, albeit funny filler. But those who would rather laugh than cry at weddings ( will say "I do'' to Bride. [20 Dec 1991, p.1D]

  • 60

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Michael Wilmington

    The movie is like a big, smug, sunny ball of fluff, batting around in a crystalline cage. It's bright and well-meaning, but there's little to grab onto or feel. Not even the presence of those expert actor/farceurs, Steve Martin and Diane Keaton, give it any real presence or bite. [20 Dec 1991, p.16]

  • 70

    out of 100

    The New York Times Janet Maslin

    The screenplay represents recycling at its best. The material has been successfully refurbished with new jokes and new attitudes, but the earlier film's most memorable moments have been preserved.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    It's one of the movies with a lot of smiles and laughter in it, and a good feeling all the way through. Just everyday life, warmly observed.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Tribune Dave Kehr

    The film's real subject is the unacknowledged intensity of the father-daughter bond and the difficulty of separation, though Shyer, true to his name, shies away from the more painful implications of the material. [20 Dec 1991, p.B]

  • See all Father of the Bride reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 11+

Steve Martin's sweet-natured wedding weepy.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Steve Martin's comic antics make this remake a sweet confection of a movie. Still, parents should know that this movie mythologizes the high-cost, over-the-top wedding as though it were a requirement for all -- the wedding industry does a fine job of that on its own. Martin Short's flamboyant character is funny, but an unfortunate gay stereotype at the same time.

  • Families can talk about why Steve Martin's character acts up the way he does. Why is it hard to let go when family members change? Also, do you think a wedding should cost that much? It may be helpful to explain to kids what big business the wedding industry really is. Do you think the father, per tradition here, should be the one footing the bill?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: Good father-daughter relationship.

  • rolemodels true0

    Role models: Some stereotyping.

What to watch for
  • violence false0

    Violence: Some pratfalls but no real violence. Martin's character pitches a fit in a grocery store, lands in jail.

  • sex false0

    Sex: Not an issue

  • language false0

    Language: Not an issue

  • consumerism false3

    Consumerism: Mythologizes the high-cost, over-the-top wedding as though it were a requirement.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Drinking at the wedding.

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 4
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4

by gennifer186

Read all Father of the Bride reviews at Fandango
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