The Banks family are back!
Opening with the same melody as the other two films brought an instant smile to my face.
Father of the Bride is back with Diane Keaton, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and George Newbern reprising their roles from the hit movie series for this short version available on Netflix and YouTube.
George Banks (Steve Martin) is back, recently retired and isn’t coping with not having the daily routine of going to the office. Long suffering wife Nina (Diane Keaton) has kicked him to the guest bedroom. Nina jumps on a zoom call with her kids Matty Banks (Kieran Caulkin) and Annie Banks (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) as Matty has some exciting news to share.
There is something heartwarming and cute about reuniting with the Banks family. Watching a joyous, fun loving family is entertaining and endearing. This could’t be a more appropriate time for them to light up our screen and it seems that the Banks family is also living through the pandemic.
Director Nancy Meyers, also director of the first two movies from the franchise, decided she wanted to bring back the family to provide a little bit of relief and kindness during a very challenging time.
Due to strict health and safety protocols being maintained due to Covid-19 all actors had to self produce their scenes. Shot entirely on digital technology, each actor has to self record using an iPhone, lighting equipment and a mic provided by the producer. Meyers watched the performances via a Zoom call and gave direction where necessary.
Thinking about the process it is kind of amazing to think that this short film was created without any of the actors stepping foot in the same space at the same time.
Seeing the banter between George and Nina Banks, played by Steve Martin and Diane Keaton is so endearing. Watching Martin Short play Franck Eggelhoffer, you can’t help but smile and laugh. There is also a nice surprise with the introduction of Robert DeNiro and Alexandra Shipp, but I won’t ruin the story.
What has been created is a loving glimpses into the Banks life and how they are coping being separated due to the global pandemic. Interestingly enough it is almost 29 year since the first film, coincidentally a remake, premiered in 1991.
Watching Father of the Bride 3 (ish) was like catching up with an old dear friend. The familiar faces and it seem like no time had passed at all. They had been continuing on with their lives, it was a nice surprise to learn we could catch up with the family one more time.
If you loved the first two movies you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Father of the Bride 3 (ish) is currently available on Netflix and Youtube.
