Father of the Bride II MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: +3

In 1991, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, a remake of the original 1950 film version, was a fabulous box office hit. This modern day sequel, FATHER OF THE BRIDE II, is every bit as appealing. It picks up where George Banks (Steve Martin) is feeling very content with his life after his daughter, Annie (Kimberly Williams), has been happily married for about a year. Then Annie announces that she's going to have a baby, but George feels he's just too young to be a grandfather. But whoa, he's also too old to be a father again. Even so, he and his 40-something wife, Nina (Diane Keaton), are shocked to learn she too is pregnant. George now has to keep his eye on two mothers-to-be. In spite of his mixed feelings, George decides to give his wife and daughter a joint baby shower. But all the excitement is just beginning as the two expectant mothers experience an assortment of comical trials and tribulations before their trip to the delivery room. Through it all, George is his usual comical, but sensitive and loving self. Audiences will find themselves laughing out loud at times, and shedding a tear at others. FATHER OF THE BRIDE II is a wonderfully warm movie-going experience which will appeal primarily to adults.

George Banks is a fine role model for husbands and fathers. He loves his wife and daughter dearly, and, in one poignant scene in the hospital, reminds the doctor that "these two women are my life." Although he has misgivings about being a new father at his advanced age, he accepts it and lovingly supports his wife. In a very moving flashback scene, George and Annie are shown shooting basketball hoops in their back yard when Annie was young. These moments clearly show how deeply George loves his daughter and the family's emphasis on traditional values. It was a very pleasant surprise to find that this modern day film is free of any offensive language, sexual content or violence. Some slightly sexually suggestive incidents do occur, including a kissing scene between George and Nina leading to implied sex. There are also some mild humorous references to sex, and in one scene George's hand accidentally falls into the crotch of another man. Martin Short plays an effeminate, comical friend of the family but there is no overt homosexual conduct. As far as films go these days, FATHER OF THE BRIDE II is like a breath of fresh air.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Buena Vista (Touchstone/Disney) 350 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521