Watch Mother of the Bride

Mother of the Bride is a 1993 comedy-drama film directed by Charles Correll. It tells the story of Margie McBride (Rue McClanahan), a widow who is ecstatic when her only daughter, Nikki (Kristy McNichol), announces her engagement to the affluent and handsome Boyd (Patrick Duffy). But her excitement is short-lived when she realizes that planning her daughter's wedding is not as easy as she thought it would be.

Margie's main problem is that she clashes with her daughter over the wedding arrangements. Nikki wants a small and private wedding, while Margie imagines a lavish and glamorous affair. As they argue over guest lists, venues, and menus, Margie starts to feel that Nikki is pushing her away and cutting her out of the wedding planning entirely.

One of the highlights of the film is the performances by Rue McClanahan and Kristy McNichol. McClanahan is hilarious as the overbearing mother who is determined to turn her daughter's wedding into a spectacle. You can feel her frustration and desperation as she tries to take control of the wedding preparations. On the other hand, McNichol gives a nuanced performance as a daughter who wants to assert her independence but also wants to keep her mother by her side.

Another stand-out actor in the film is Paul Dooley, who plays Margie's friend and confidant, Barry. He provides comic relief and sage advice to Margie as she navigates the tricky terrain of wedding planning. Dooley delivers his lines with impeccable timing and infuses the character with warmth and wit.

The film also touches on the theme of new beginnings. Margie is not only dealing with her daughter's wedding, but she is also learning how to live life on her own after her husband's death. She finds solace in her new friends, Barry and Gilbert (Michael MacRae), and is learning how to carve out a new identity for herself. The wedding preparation becomes a way for Margie to reinvent herself and find a new purpose.

Besides the storyline, the movie's setting and cinematography are also noteworthy. The film is shot in various locations around California, including San Francisco and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The coastal towns and magnificent landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for the wedding preparations and give the film a charming and nostalgic feel.

In conclusion, Mother of the Bride is a heartwarming and entertaining film that explores the complicated relationship between mother and daughter. It is a great movie that captures the ups and downs of wedding planning and offers a witty and insightful look at family dynamics. The well-written script, memorable performances, and beautiful setting make it a timeless classic that is worth watching again and again.

Mother of the Bride is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.