Month: April 2023

“I find myself in an extremely awkward position.” —Cas

Today’s quick review: Casanova Brown. Casanova Brown (Gary Cooper) is on the eve of marrying Madge Ferris (Anita Louise) when he gets the news that Isabel Drury (Teresa Wright), his one-time bride, might be pregnant. Racing to Chicago to see if the news is true, Cas recalls the circumstances of his abrupt marriage to Isabel and their speedy annulment. Now Cas must decide whether to return to Isabel or stay with Madge.

Casanova Brown is a classic romantic comedy about a man torn between the woman he’s about to marry and the woman he already did. Gary Cooper stars as Casanova Brown, a mild-mannered literature professor whose brief fling has come back to haunt him. The movie draws its humor from colorful characters and the tangle matrimonial situation Cas finds himself in. But in spite of some credible humor, Casanova Brown ultimately falls flat.

Casanova Brown misplays its hand. The movie relies heavily on eccentric characters like Madge’s father J.J. (Frank Morgan) to inject comedy into its scenes. The characters work well enough, but they carry too much of the weight, making the humor feel forced. Casanova Brown is also more reliant on misunderstandings than other comedies, with frustrating sequences that hinge entirely on characters being too passive or too presumptuous.

How much you get out of Casanova Brown will come down to taste. Fans of classic madcap comedies will find something to like, thanks to some decent gags and a situation that rapidly spirals out of control. But the movie is missing the clever humor, the nuance, and the sharply coordinated story that the best comedies have, leaving it an uneven watch with a mediocre payoff. Interested viewers should approach with caution.

For a classic madcap comedy about mild-mannered man waylaid on the eve of his wedding, try Bringing Up Baby. For a more tragic love story starring Gary Cooper, try The Wedding Night. For a modern, minimalistic drama where a man takes responsibility for an affair, try Locke.

[6.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036699/). I give it a 6.0 for spirited humor that largely misses the mark.

Today’s quick review: The Wedding Night. Tony Barrett (Gary Cooper), an alcoholic writer in need of a hit, moves out to the countryside to rework his latest book. There he finds unexpected inspiration in the form of Manya Novak (Anna Sten), a hard-working young woman from a Polish farming community. As the two grow close to each other, they incur the wrath of Manya’s father Jan (Sig Ruman), who expects her to marry another man (Ralph Bellamy).

The Wedding Night is a classic romantic drama about the relationship between a struggling writer and a Polish farm girl. The movie follows Tony as he overcomes his writer’s block and falls in love with a girl who is engaged to another. The Wedding Night draws its tension from this forbidden pairing, made even more dangerous by Tony’s marriage to Dora (Helen Vinson). In spite of a shaky start, the movie shapes up into an effective drama.

The Wedding Night has a few hurdles for the audience to overcome. First, Tony makes for an uneven main character. He has deep flaws but hardly does anything to overcome them, remaining an alcoholic, a flirt, and a liar throughout the movie. His chemistry with Manya is not as apparent as the movie seems to believe, although they do have their moments. Finally, the writing can come on strong in places, especially with Manya’s traditional family.

The payoff for all of this is a dramatically rich ending that neatly ties together the conflicts of the movie. The Wedding Night does not get off to an inspired start, but once its pieces are on the board, it does some clever things with them. The odd rapport between Tony and Manya, the heavy-handed control exerted by her father, and the strains on Tony’s marriage are all interesting consequences that justify the movie’s premise.

The result is a drama with a clear ending in mind, and which sacrifice some of its beginning and middle to set it up. The Wedding Night does not have the frills of other romances, with a relatively chaste courtship and little of the character growth seen in other such stories. But its payoff makes it worth a watch for anyone in the mood for an older movie with a melancholy tone and a few insights into human nature.

For a more upbeat romance about a fiance from a traditional family, try The Quiet Man. For a modern romantic comedy about a writer finding love, try Ruby Sparks.

[6.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027189/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for flawed but ultimately effective writing.

“I have a feeling this is not going to be my favorite war.” —Walt Dreiser

Today’s quick review: My Foolish Heart. Seven years into a loveless marriage with Lew Wengler (Kent Smith), Eloise Winters (Susan Hayward) receives a visit from Mary Jane (Lois Wheeler), an estranged friend from college. Seeing her friend stirs up old, painful memories in Eloise, taking her back to New York City at the outbreak of World War II. There Eloise met the love of her life: Walt Dreiser (Dana Andrews).

My Foolish Heart is a classic romantic drama about a woman trapped in a failing marriage by the cruelty of fate and her own choices. Susan Hayward and Dana Andrews star as a young couple in 1941, whose relationship immediately runs into trouble due to personal misfortune and the looming prospect of war. Tragedy, heartache, and hard choices make My Foolish Heart a sober drama that asks difficult questions about youth, love, and sacrifice.

My Foolish Heart plays out like a puzzle where the picture is known but the pieces are not. Even from early on, the audience has clues about where Walt and Eloise’s relationship will end up. But the movie does a good job of going there step by step, gradually subjecting Eloise to more and more stress until she reaches the breaking point. The trap the movie lays for her is clever, and seeing it play out gives the movie much of its weight.

Still, My Foolish Heart does not have the subtlety or insight of the best romantic dramas. Eloise and Walt are an imperfect match, straddling the line between storybook romance and youthful delusion. The friction between them plays into the movie’s themes, but it also damages its appeal as a romance. My Foolish Heart works well at an intellectual level, but it isn’t as skilled at manipulating the audience’s emotions as other movies in the same vein.

My Foolish Heart makes for a solid romantic drama and worthy pick for fans of the genre. It misses the chance to be something superlative and haunting, but it still manages to hold its own as a study of an ill-fated fling. Fans of older movies who are in the mood for something more serious should give it a shot. Those looking for a light comedy or something that leaves more of a lasting impression may want to look elsewhere.

For a historical drama that delves deeper into the consequences of a young woman’s hard choices, try Gone with the Wind. For a modern romantic drama with some of the same heartache, try The Notebook, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, or Dear John. For a classic romantic drama about a failing marriage that has even more tragedy, try Penny Serenade.

[6.9 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041672/). I give it a 7.0 for effective drama.

Today’s quick review: The Long, Long Trailer. Tacy Collini (Lucille Ball) convinces her husband Nick (Desi Arnaz) to buy an oversized trailer to use as a mobile home, hoping to travel with him on his business trips. What starts as a romantic gesture soon turns into a nightmare as Nick tries to navigate the trailer around tight corners, down muddy roads, and up steep inclines as they journey across the country on their honeymoon.

The Long, Long Trailer is a classic romantic comedy starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. A blossoming new marriage is put to the test by an unwieldy mobile home. The Long, Long Trailer draws its humor from the comedy pairing of its two stars and the opportunities for slapstick provided by the trailer. While the setup is straightforward, talented leads and a variety of slapstick make it an enjoyable watch for fans of the classics.

The Long, Long Trailer has a simple but reliable comedic formula. Against his better judgment, Nick is pulled deeper and deeper into Tacy’s dream of mobile domestic bliss. Every idea she has for the trailer backfires, putting their finances, their honeymoon, and their marriage in jeopardy. Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball have a practiced chemistry together, and their skill and sense of timing gives the humor most of its impact.

Give The Long, Long Trailer a shot when you’re in the mood for a light and wholesome comedy with a fair amount of slapstick. Most of the jokes have the same punchline, but for those willing to embrace the premise, Ball and Arnaz are a treat. Steer clear if you dislike classic comedies or either of the leads.

For another classic comedy about a flustered family man, try Father of the Bride. For a classic madcap comedy with an ensemble cast, try It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. For a classic romantic comedy about a road trip gone awry, try It Happened One Night. For a modern take on a similar premise, try The Money Pit or RV.

[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047191/). I give it a 7.0 for a simple and enjoyable comedy.

Today’s quick review: Father’s Little Dividend. Stanley Banks (Spencer Tracy) faces domestic upheaval once again when his daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor), now happily married to Buckley Dunstan (Don Taylor), announces that she is pregnant. As Kay’s mother Ellie (Joan Bennett) and her in-laws (Billie Burke and Moroni Olsen) smother her with suggestions, it falls to Stanley to walk his daughter through the toughest time of her life.

Father’s Little Dividend is a classic comedy starring Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor. The sequel to Father of the Bride picks up roughly a year after the first movie left off. Father’s Little Dividend draws its humor from Stanley’s mixed feelings about Kay’s pregnancy, the rivalry between the two sets of grandparents, and the ups and downs of the pregnancy itself. Solid acting and a cute story make the movie an enjoyable pick.

Like Father of the Bride, the heart of Father’s Little Dividend is the relationship between Stanley and Kay. This time around, Stanley slips into a supportive role more easily, acting as an anchor for Kay in the tumult caused by the rest of the family. The movie knows when to introduce just a bit of drama to keep the story grounded, and the handful of serious moments let Tracy and Taylor show off the depth of their acting talents.

Apart from the snatches of drama, Father’s Little Dividend is a plain but effective comedy about pregnancy. Once again, Stanley Banks is a caring and long-suffering father who occasionally lets his own ego get in the way. Spencer Tracy fits the role naturally, and the jokes will entertain viewers who are used to the rhythm of older comedies. Still, the movie is missing the elegance of its predecessor, and its humor isn’t quite as sharp.

Father’s Little Dividend is a fine watch for fans of the classics and anyone who enjoyed the first film. Although it doesn’t hang together quite as well as the original, it succeeds on the back of strong acting, decent humor, and some meaningful moments about parenthood and marriage. Steer clear if you disliked the original or if you prefer more modern comedy.

For a more outrageous take on a similar premise, try Father of the Bride Part II, the sequel to the Steve Martin remake of Father of the Bride. For an offbeat crime comedy about parents trying to get a baby of their own, check out Raising Arizona.

[6.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043526/). I give it a 7.0 for solid comedy and some heart.

“First that runt steals my daughter, and now he makes a grandpa out of me.” —George Banks

Today’s quick review: Father of the Bride Part II. George Banks (Steve Martin) is growing old. His daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams) and her husband Bryan (George Newbern) are expecting a child, his son Matt (Kieran Culkin) is growing up, and George is even considering selling the family home. But life throws him a curveball when his wife Nina (Diane Keaton) finds out that she’s pregnant too.

Father of the Bride Part II is a comedy about a grandfather-to-be and his pregnant daughter and wife. Steve Martin reprises his role as George Banks, whose high-strung personality fares little better with the news that his daughter is pregnant than it did with the news she was getting married. The movie revolves around the many simultaneous changes in the Banks family, pulling George this way and that as he tries to cope with two pregnancies.

Father of the Bride Part II has the same style of humor as the first movie. George undergoes a crisis as his age creeps up on him, but he soon settles down to the task at hand: making sure Annie and Nina are taken care of. Familial chaos, a flustered lead, and the ups and downs of pregnancy are the movie’s main sources of comedy. While none of the jokes are groundbreaking, they are enough to make the movie a light, pleasant watch.

However, Father of the Bride Part II has a few quirks that hold it back. Compared to the previous movie, the story relies more on contrivances, rather than playing up an ordinary life event like marriage. Two pregnancies, a move, and a menagerie of self-destructive choices by George all contribute to a movie that feels a little too scripted. Meanwhile, the father-daughter relationship of the first film takes a back seat to George’s marriage.

Father of the Bride Part II is a decent pick for fans of family-oriented comedies. Its humor never goes beyond just being amusing, but the script finds an easy rhythm, and Steve Martin’s performance earns a few laughs. Viewers with the right taste and modest expectations will enjoy the movie for what it is. Fans of more incisive comedy and more organic stories will want to steer clear.

[6.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113041/). I give it a 6.5 for consistent humor and a fun but far-fetched story.

“He’s like you, Dad, except he’s brilliant!” —Annie

Today’s quick review: Father of the Bride. George Banks (Steve Martin) melts down when his daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams) announces her engagement to Bryan MacKenzie (George Newbern). Convinced she’s too young to marry, George looks for any possible excuse to call off the marriage. But with the help of his wife Nina (Diane Keaton), George lets go of his hang-ups and shifts focus to what really matters: throwing a wedding Annie will remember.

Father of the Bride is a romantic comedy about a man upset by the prospect of his daughter getting married. The movie is a remake of the Spencer Tracy classic, keeping the same basic plot but adding a few modern flourishes. Steve Martin plies his comedic craft as George Banks, a high-strung man who faces the challenge of planning and paying for his daughter’s wedding. Amusing comedy and a sweet story make Father of the Bride a modest success.

Father of the Bride falls back on a simple but reliable comedic formula: having George overreact to the events around him. Anything and everything sets George off, from Annie’s sudden engagement to Bryan’s personality to the chaos of planning the wedding. Steve Martin is a good fit for the role, and his barely contained frustrations give the movie its spirit. The movie also touches on some deeper themes with George’s loving relationship with Annie.

Still, Father of the Bride is missing some of the finesse of the original. Where the Spencer Tracy version relied on simple writing and heartfelt moments to carry it, the remake has more overt comedy and less emotional resonance. The end product is still a light and enjoyable watch, especially for fans of Steve Martin, but not as elegant, meaningful, or sharply comedic as it could have been.

Father of the Bride is a fine pick when you’re in the mood for a safe, straightforward comedy that puts its star to good use. Father of the Bride misses a few opportunities for better humor and a richer story, but what’s there is enough to satisfy the right viewer. Those with a taste for the classics may want to try the Spencer Tracy version instead.

For another comedy starring Steve Martin, try Roxanne or Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. For a more slapstick-oriented comedy about a couple dealing with seemingly endless frustrations, try The Money Pit. For a Christmas comedy with a similar family dynamic, try The Santa Clause or Christmas with the Kranks.

[6.5 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101862/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for light comedy with a few flaws.

Today’s quick review: Father of the Bride. Stanley Banks’ (Spencer Tracy) life spirals into chaos when his daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) announces her engagement to Buckley Dunstan (Don Taylor). Immediately skeptical of the young man, Stanley puts him through his paces before giving his approval. Meanwhile, Stanley and his wife Ellie (Joan Bennett) tackle the monumental task of organizing a wedding worthy of their daughter.

Father of the Bride is a classic romantic comedy about the lead-up to a wedding. Spencer Tracy stars as Stanley Banks, a caring father faced with the prospect of giving his daughter away to a stranger. At times overprotective and at times long-suffering, Stanley weathers the logistical and financial turmoil of planning the perfect wedding. Father of the Bride’s simple but effective humor and talented leads make it a pure and enjoyable watch.

The hidden strength of Father of the Bride is its heart. No matter what else happens, Stanley and Kay love each other deeply. Tucked away among the comedic mishaps, the major and minor crises, and the avalanche of logistics are some truly heartfelt moments that perfectly capture the love between a father and daughter. Father of the Bride is a comedy first and foremost, but its sentimental moments are what tie the film together.

Father of the Bride takes a simple premise and executes it cleanly. Fans of classic comedies will find it to be a pleasant experience with some hidden depth, well worth a watch for anyone in the mood for something light and heartwarming. Fans of more modern comedies may find it a little too tame and limited in scope.

For another romantic comedy starring Spencer Tracy, try Adam’s Rib or Woman of the Year. For a sharp-witted comedy about a high-society wedding, try The Philadelphia Story.

[7.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042451/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for heartfelt comedy.

“Yes! Crab cakes and football! That’s what Maryland does!” —Flip

Today’s quick review: Wedding Crashers. John Beckwith (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy Grey (Vince Vaughn) are divorce lawyers who spend their free time at weddings trying to pick up women. For their latest adventure, they crash a wedding hosted by William Cleary (Christopher Walken), the Secretary of the Treasury. But things get complicated when John falls in love with Claire (Rachel Adams), a charming woman who already has a boyfriend (Bradley Cooper).

Wedding Crashers is a raunchy romantic comedy about two best friends who lie their way into weddings. John and Jeremy have their routine down to a science, using fake identities and social tricks to make women swoon. But they get more than they bargained for when they meet the Cleary family, who are rich, eccentric, and well-connected. Now the friends have to keep up their charade for a full weekend to give John the chance to win over Claire.

Wedding Crashers is a movie with a fun premise and a great cast. Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn have natural chemistry as John and Jeremy, and their easy patter is the core of the movie. The rest of the humor comes from the complications of dealing with the Cleary family, ranging from impressing their hosts to helping Jeremy escape from Gloria (Isla Fisher). The jokes are quotable and entertaining, and the story hits all the beats it needs to.

The result is a straightforward comedy that’s easy to like. How much you get out of the movie will depend on how much you like Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, as well as what your tolerance is for raunchy humor. For the right viewer, Wedding Crashers is a steady stream of laughs with a satisfying payoff. Steer clear if you’re looking for something smart or subtle.

For a raunchy comedy with most of the same cast, try Old School. For a light comedy about a faker, try School of Rock. For a romantic comedy about a womanizer who has a change of heart at a wedding, try Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. For a more conventional romance at a wedding, try Four Weddings and a Funeral.

[6.9 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396269/). I give it a 7.0 for fun humor.

“Like I always say, if they don’t get you one way, they’ll get you another.” —Alfie

Today’s quick review: Alfie. Alfie Elkins (Jude Law) has been going through a rough patch. After breaking up with Julie (Marisa Tomei), he sleeps with Lonette (Nia Long), the girlfriend of his best friend Marlon (Omar Epps), and gets her pregnant. To put his problems out of his mind, he strikes up a passionate yet unstable relationship with Nikki (Sienna Miller). But no matter what Alfie does, his selfish decisions leave him feeling empty.

Alfie is a romantic drama with comedic elements about a womanizer who refuses to settle down. Based on the Michael Caine film of the same name, Alfie follows Alfie Elkins through a series of amorous misadventures that put his hedonistic philosophy to the test. Through a pregnancy, a health scare, and countless short-lived relationships, Alfie tries to put a positive spin on things and keep his focus on what truly matters to him: himself.

Alfie paints a comprehensive portrait of a deeply flawed man, with mixed results. To the movie’s credit, its story covers a lot of ground, finding clever ways to put its main character through the wringer. At its best, it is an insightful look at the perks and personal costs of Alfie’s lifestyle. Jude Law makes for a solid lead, and his narration to the audience lets the movie indulge in some extensive introspection.

Alfie’s main weakness is that it relies a little too heavily on its protagonist. Everything about the movie’s setup depends on Alfie Elkins walking the fine line between charming and distasteful. The first-person narration, the stylized cinematography, and the omnipresent soundtrack all serve to play up Alfie as someone special. However, whenever the movie miscalibrates his charms, even by a little, the edifice collapses under its own weight.

Alfie explores some interesting themes, thanks to a robust main character and a clever set of challenges that make up the story. But the movie doesn’t quite thread the needle when it comes to its protagonist. It captures Alfie’s superficial charms and his deeper character flaws, but it never manages to balance the two in a satisfying way. The result is a drama that brings something worthwhile to the table but doesn’t live up to its full potential.

For a richer and more effective take on the same story, try the original version of Alfie. For a lighter romantic comedy about a ladies’ man who’s put to the test, try What Women Want or The Ugly Truth. For a more playful romantic comedy about a penitent womanizer, try Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. For a minimalistic drama about the torments of romance, try London.

[6.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375173/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for rich themes with flawed execution.