Yet another remake of the 1950 original, Father of the Bride, has hit the streaming platforms, the major difference being that this Father of the Bride is based in Miami and the family is Cuban immigrants.
The father, Billy Herrera (Andy Garcia) runs a very successful Architectural firm in Miami. Ingrid Herrera (Gloria Estefan) has been married to Billy for over 30 years and getting a little stir crazy with her existence.
Thankfully daughter Sofia Herrera (Adria Arjona) is returning from New York where she has been studying to be a lawyer. To the family’s surprise, Sofia has proposed to her boyfriend, Adan Castillo (Diego Boneta) and Billy is less than impressed.
Directed by Gary Alazraki, Father of the Bride isn’t your traditional remake.
Firstly the story has been made more relevant and transplanted into a world that is very similar to today. A place where the world is a little more woke and the parents of the protagonists are struggling to adapt and understand the new concepts of their kids.
Secondly, and most importantly, both the Herrera family and Castillo family are of Cuban and Mexican descent. It is nice to see that Hollywood has moved away from the idea of the stereotypical white American family coming to terms that their daughter is getting married, as is the premise of Father of the Bride.
It is interesting to think of the original Father of the Bride, which was made by MGM studios and featured Spencer Tracey, Joan Bennett, and Elizabeth Taylor. The 1990s remake featured Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and Martin Short as hysterical wedding planner Franck. So this remake of a remake has moved very much into a world that has greater representation and diversity, which should be in all cinema.
But don’t get me wrong while there are so many positives about this film and it is being made the story is an interesting idea, but the story does come across as a little rushed or unfinished. There are lots of side storylines that are hinted at but not openly discussed.
Also, there is a missed opportunity in the film as there is not a single song performed by Gloria Estefan, especially are there are several musical numbers performed throughout the wedding.
There are a lot of laughs with this Father of the Bride remake, but the larger problem with the film is the story. What is the backstory to why Billy and Ingrid’s marriage is on the rocks?
Gloria Estefan as Ingrid Herrera is a stellar performance that gets the most laughs throughout the film with good one-liners.
Interestingly enough this production of Father of the Bride was also produced by Andy Garcia and Brad Pitt. It is good to see a few Hollywood big wigs are also pushing forward with positive change and greater representation in the medium.
Father of the Bride is a remake that we did need. It is nice to see a film representing the Cuban and Mexican immigrants of America and highlighting the difficulties these families go through when their children decide to get married in a ceremony that is nothing like either family previously experienced.
