The two new films on the streaming services this week have much going for them on paper. What’s interesting to glean is whether what we actually watch onscreen lives up to the promise.
Father of the Bride (HBO Go) - This is the third time this particular story is being given the film treatment. And the fact that it’s coming after the Steve Martin - Diane Keaton version should be enough to warn any producer that the 1991 Steve Martin film still resonates and packs a lot of weight with viewers. And for the ones wondering about the first version, that would be the original 1950 film with Spencer Tracy, and Elizabeth Taylor playing the bride-to-be. But with comfort zones one surefire way to green light a film in this day and age, we now have this third version, and it’s about a sprawling Cuban-American family. Andy Garcia plays the title character, Gloria Estefan the wife, and Adria Arjona is the daughter.
Trying to be different, and to add conflict, the film opens with Andy and Gloria at a marriage counselor, where the decision is made to get a divorce. This on the same day that their daughter is coming home from law school. To be completely honest, other than the fact that there are new dynamics to how Cuban-American families operate (very Filipino-like), there really isn’t anything new being put on the table with this third version. So it’s definitely not a case of Third Time’s the Charm here. It’s as predictable as night and day, and we’re pretty much left to wing it on the charms of the cast assembled. The to be expected wedding planner will be there to scene-steal; but to his credit, Andy firmly takes center stage to remind us that he and Adria are the ones in the title of the film. Titas of Manila will love Andy here.
Spiderhead (Netflix) - On paper, it would seem there was no way this film could go wrong. Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller head the cast, it’s directed by the Kosinski who just directed Top Gun: Maverick, the story is based on a short story by George Saunders, and it’s been adapted by the writing duo behind Deadpool 2. It’s a SciFi story that’s heavy on the Sci aspect, and there was reams of irony and comedy in the original short story. It’s about science going wrong, and taking the value of human life as negligible in the name of advancement and profit, and it worked beautifully as a dark, satirical comedy that was ripe with social commentary. So, the burning question is what went wrong?
It’s serviceable enough, and can keep you glued to the screen; but there is an empty feeling left in the bottom of your stomach when all is said and done and the credits start to roll. It’s like so much star power, and strong creative talent have been put to work and they all decided it was going to be a lazy, lackluster day. I don’t know how better to explain why this film just didn’t seem to work. It’s counter-programming, yes; but when it’s good counter programming, we’re happy that the producers, or Netflix, took the risk. In this case, I doubt many will even be inspired to seek out the original material and learn more about Saunders - who just happens to be one of the best living American authors of today. Hemsworth is trying, but seems to be out of his depth.