This article contains spoilers for Father of the Bride2022.
The new Father of the Bridehas been out for less than two weeks and it's already setting records.According to Deadline, itisnow the biggest hit for a streaming-only release by HBO Max, with the remake drawing in the masses with its stellar cast, charming characters, and an emotionally charging script.
Vastly different from thecomical 1991 version, director Gary Alazraki also made several improvements to the story by creating a more modern and inclusive story, which challenged outdated gender stereotypes and celebrated an array of cultures that are seen across America. Considering that this is the third time the movie has been "remade," Alazraki's revisions did enhance the narrative more as it made it more relatable and appealing to audiences from all backgrounds.
The Movie Is More Diverse And Modern
This is the most obvious change from 1991's version, which predominately starred an all-white cast. Set in the suburbs of America and following a traditional and wealthy upper-class family, the Banks-MacKenzies.
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Given that the 1991 version was simply a depiction of "the average" American household, Alazraki altered this, making his narrative more modern and diverse with his story now following the union between the Cuban American family, the Herreras, and the Mexican family, the Castillos.
Location Swap
To accurately reflect Herreras' Cuban heritage and pay homage to the cultural legacy within the Coconut Grove neighborhood, the setting has been switched from San Marino, California (a city in Los Angeles County) to Miami, Florida.
Whereas the freak snowstorm in the 1991 version ishighly implausible for suburban SoCal, the hurricane that threatens to ruin Sofia and Adan's big day is also pretty standard for Miami, which further adds to the film's realism.
Marriage Problems For Mom And Dad
While George and Nina Banks have plenty of tension, it isnever hinted that their marriage was in real trouble. However, the newest adaptation opens with ashort montage showing Billy and Ingrid'slife together before segueing into a therapy session whereIngrid announcesshe wants a divorce.
This isa brilliant move: it adds tension to every scene shared by Andy García and Gloria Estefan, provides contrast to the young couple, givesperspective aboutthe idea of marriage, and allowsthe characters a chance to find each other again.Though this could have easily been a pessimistictakeoncomplacency in long-term relationships, it is instead pleasantly hopeful.
Younger Sibling Has More Of An Active Role
Instead of having a younger kid brother, the bride's sibling is changed to an adult sister. Ambitious and creative, Cora is nothing like her seemingly perfect older sister. After dropping out of college, she decides that she wants to use her college fund to start her own dressmaking business.
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Cora's side plot about making her own way and gaining her father's respect strengthens one of the film's core messages about parents stepping back and lettingtheir childrenmake their own choices. Although it can be hard for many parents like Billy, who just want the best for their children, they have to trust that their children are responsible enough to make the right choices for themselves and know what big risks are worth taking.
Time Crunch
As opposed to 1991's Annie finding love while abroad, Sofia dates Adan while attending law school in New York and wants to get married in a month.In typical rom-com fashion, the plot pointstrains credulity, yet it also raisesthe stakes and allows for more clashes between characters.
While thecomedy gold ofwedding plannerFranck and his assistant Howard helpedmake 1991's version one of the best wedding movies ever, planner Natalie andsidekickKyler provide just as much comic relief with their one-liners as they hasten to get everything done in timefor the big day. Given that the audience can see how much love and adoration both Sofia and Adan have for each other, the wedding is all the more impactful when it actually comes to fruition.
A StrongerBride
Brides Annie andSofia are spirited women who are both career and family-oriented. But aside from oneshort fight in the 1991 adaptation, Annie and George don't clash much - it is mother-of-the-brideNina who has toremind her husband of what is important.
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As sweet and centered as Annie is, she still heavily relies on her father's guidance. Older, more experienced, and confident Sofia knowswhat she wants, fights for what she believes in, and gives Billy a tearful ultimatum when hekeeps sabotaging what is supposed to be the happiest time ofher life. It's a refreshing change to see a "daddy's girl" stand upto her overprotective father.
Added Tension Between Fathers
Whilefrugal George Banks (one of Steve Martin's best characters) winces at every expense and spiesonthe MacKenzie's finances, proud Billy considers it his duty topay for his daughter's wedding. It is only when Adan's father, a billionaire whose lifestyle shocks conservative Billy, is introducedthat hislimits are pushed.
HernanCastillo isn't just pushing for a more lavish event, though; he wants to make sure the wedding has as much Mexican influenceas Cuban. The film uses this conflictbetween the two fathers to respectfully highlight the nuance and wide-rangingscope of the diverse cultures in America, which is something often ignoredby Hollywood.
The Father's Arc
ThoughBilly is not always the mostlikable character inFather of the Bride, he does have the strongest arc. His journey from an obstinate traditionalist to a joyful hero who embraces change is the emotional heartof the film. A flashback scene proves his deep love for his family; it is affecting without being overly sentimental.
The ending is a marked improvement on the 1991 version, whereGeorge misses most of the receptiondue to a frankly weird and nonsensical plot point. The final moments ofBilly's journey, however,in which he saves the day, learns to let go, and remembers how to have fun again, aresatisfying and well-earned.
Importance Of The Groom
1991's and 2022's grooms Bryan MacKenzie and Adan Castillo share much in common: they are lovable, sincere, and grounded, and bothfully support their bride's career goals and would follow them anywhere. Yet, Bryan isoften overshadowed by the bride's family and flamboyant Franck.
Adanplays a much bigger role in the new plot. Once Billy realizes how special Adanis and how much his daughter loves him, he becomes a confidant and role model for his future father-in-law. He even takes the Herrera family name, much to his father's chagrin (and Billy's delight), a move that subtly addresses how the world is moving away from the traditional gender stereotypes.
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