The main character of “Father of the Bride” would probably be hesitant to hear this new romantic comedy referred to as a “Latinx” remake of the classic, last revived in 1991, starring Steve Martin in the role. This time, a Cuban-American family takes center stage and Billy Herrera (Andy Garcia) is the father facing his daughter’s upcoming wedding.
Herrera, as he often reminds his children, emigrated from Cuba with little more than a few cents in his pocket and managed to build a thriving architectural firm. He has expectations for his children and their future. When his daughter and golden child, Sofia (Adria Arjona), announces that she is going to marry Adan (Diego Boneta), a Mexican man who doesn’t fit the macho image Billy has always envisioned, he must grapple with the ways Sofia’s view of her life differs from his.
Directed by Gaz Alazraki and written by Matt Lopez, the film delivers authenticity—with actors fluent in Spanish and working with cultural nuances rather than relying on the broad portrayal of Latinos we’ve come to expect from Hollywood. Gloria Estefan plays Billy’s wife, Ingrid, who is fed up with his rigid ways; Isabela Merced is Sofia’s sister Cora, a free-spirited fashion designer; and the comedian Chloe Fineman plays the crazy wedding planner. Most of the film’s humor comes from its crippled attempts to adapt to the culture and language of the Herreras.
But there’s little other comic relief to ferment the exploration of generational gaps between immigrants and their children, fueled in part by machismo and elitism. Diversity is also an issue, with an all-white Latino cast, save for a brief appearance from reggaeton star Ozuna. Still, “Father of the Bride” shows the kind of rich cultural representation that can happen when people from the cultures it represents are brought in to tell their own stories.
Father of the Bride
Rated PG-13. Running time: 1 hour 57 minutes. Watch HBO Max.
