How sad is this?

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

It's not necessary to watch Father of the Bride first, since the very title gives away the plot, but if you like classic movies, feel free to watch it before diving into the sequel, Father's Little Dividend.The entire cast returns, giving a repeat performance worthy of Edward Streeter's original characters, from the silliest obstacles to Spencer Tracy's narration. If ever there was a grumpy actor who could pull of hostility towards impending grandfather-hood, it was Mr. Baked Potato himself, Spencer Tracy. I'm not a fan of Spence, but he really is perfectly grumpy in these movies, just as the character warrants.In this one, Elizabeth Taylor's expecting a baby. Father isn't looking forward to the little critter taking over everyone's lives, and he tries to combat everyone else's excitement every step of the way. I love these movies; they're so hilariously true to life even now, even though there are dated "Honey I'm home" elements sprinkled along the way. Both Father movies are funny and delightful; pick them up for an old movie marathon over the weekend! DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, there's one scene in this movie that might be not your friend. Father and daughter sit on a bench swing and talk, and it might make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"

Stanley Banks is looking forward to enjoying a little freedom a year after his daughter, Kay, has got married but that is short-lived when he learns that he is to become a grandfather. He is far from overwhelmed at the prospect but his wife and the other grandparents to be are overjoyed… to the extent that they start to take over from Kay; giving their ideas of what the baby should be named among other things. There are some hiccoughs before the baby, a boy, is born then Stanley is a little put out by the fact that the little one gets on with the rest of the family but cries the moment he sets eyes on him.I was a little concerned that having not seen 'Father of the Bride' this might be a little hard to get into; thankfully it didn't matter at all. The story is fun with a decent number of laughs throughout. It isn't plot heavy; more a series of mostly amusing events that take place between the announcement that Kay is pregnant and the christening of the child. There is some drama although I doubt anybody will think things won't be resolved fairly quickly. Spencer Tracy does a fine job as Stanley Banks; this is very much his film as he is rarely off screen. He is ably supported by Joan Bennett as his wife Ellie and Elizabeth Taylor as Kay. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of older films who want a fun film which contains no offensive material.

I have a different view of this film and its predecessor. I don't think they're really comedies. I think they're depictions of what happens when a young girl gets married, or in the sequel's case, a couple has their first baby. Yes, the two stories are told with humor, but in both films there's nothing outlandish happening...it's just life...and there are long segments which are rather dramatic in nature. Yet, the films are not dramas, either. Perhaps a family film with generous doses of humor. But be warned, this is not a Steve Martin film...it's a Spencer Tracy film...hence the world of difference.Tracy is, perhaps, even better here than in the previous film. Some of his scenes with Elizabeth Taylor are so convincing that you'll wish Tracy was your father. According to the new Tracy biography, it was around this time that Tracy begin describing himself as old, although he was only in his very early 50s.Joan Bennett is, again, excellent as the mother. Taylor excellent as the sensitive daughter (I found her very appealing in this role, although I am not particularly a fan of Taylor). The supporting players are all fine and do their jobs nicely...particularly Moroni Olson and Billie Burke, although their screen-time is short...just enough to advance the plot, despite them being the in-laws.For me, the two films are about equal in quality. Perhaps "Father Of The Bride" fresher, but that may be simply because the characters and story were new to the viewer. In terms of quality, the two films could easily be put together as one long film, and I doubt anyone would notice much of a variance. Tracy fans will want this on their DVD shelf...when it becomes available from the Warner Archive...the prints out there now are cheap knockoffs, but it is broadcast on TCM every once in a while.

The material may be sticky, but the players shine. Fortunately, Tracy's dour reactions keep the soggy motherhood plot from becoming too sweet. His pained grimaces and caustic asides are really quite droll, more amusing however than funny. The young couple, Taylor and Taylor, are right out of a glossy Photoplay, but manage not to be too annoying, while Bennett shows she can do dutiful wives as well as conniving trollops (Scarlet Street, 1945). For some reason the two sons, Tamblyn and Irish, make a brief appearance, then disappear without a trace, and I'm wondering why the script bothered in the first place. Of course, the complications of a first- time baby keep the narrative moving; at the same time, we know perfectly well how things will end. And they do. This is the old MGM dream factory at work even after the boss L.B. Mayer has departed-- big houses, elegant clothes, household servants, and even teenagers with no zits. As the boss himself famously remarked, People don't want to see people like themselves on the big screen, or words to that effect. Not much chance of that here. Still, the movie remains a seductive piece of entertainment, rather like a shiny new suit that doesn't quite fit, but you buy it anyway.