Movies are usually dead on arrival when they try to remake a classic. Honestly, when I first heard HBO Max was doing another Father of the Bride 2022 version, I rolled my eyes. We already had the 1950 Spencer Tracy version and the 1991 Steve Martin one that basically defines "dad energy" for an entire generation. Why do it again?
But then I watched it.
It's different. It’s not just a copy-paste of the old scripts. This time, the story centers on the Herrera family in Miami. Andy Garcia plays Billy Herrera, a Cuban-American architect who is, frankly, a bit of a grouch. He’s spent his whole life building a legacy, only to find out his daughter is getting married and—this is the kicker—his wife wants a divorce.
That’s a heavy pivot.
The film dropped on June 16, 2022, and it quickly became a massive hit for HBO Max. It wasn't just another wedding movie; it was a snapshot of a specific cultural moment where traditions were clashing with a new, more progressive reality. It felt real.
The Herrera Family Dynamic is the Secret Sauce
Most people think of this franchise as a slapstick comedy about a guy losing his mind over floral arrangements. While there is some of that, the Father of the Bride 2022 version digs way deeper into the immigrant experience and the "American Dream" trope. Billy Herrera isn't just cheap; he’s a man who remembers what it was like to have nothing. That changes the stakes.
When his daughter Sofia (played by Adria Arjona) announces she’s engaged and moving to Mexico to work for a non-profit, Billy’s world collapses. Not because he hates the guy—though he isn't thrilled—but because it challenges his entire "father as the provider" identity.
The chemistry between Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan (who plays his wife, Ingrid) is surprisingly grounded. They aren't doing a sitcom bit. They are playing a couple that has actually grown apart over thirty years. It’s kinda heartbreaking. They decide to hide their impending divorce from the family until after the wedding, which adds a layer of tension that the earlier movies lacked.
Why the 2022 Version Stands Out
If you look at the 1991 version, George Banks is stressed about money and losing his little girl. In 2022, Billy Herrera is stressed about his entire legacy disappearing. The film swaps out the white, suburban "everyman" vibe for a vibrant, loud, and complex Cuban-American setting.
- Location matters: Miami isn't just a backdrop; it’s a character. The food, the music, and the specific brand of "Miami Cuban" pride are baked into every scene.
- The Groom's side: The Cueto family (the groom's family) are Mexican and incredibly wealthy. This creates a hilarious and tense "billionaire vs. self-made man" rivalry that drives the second half of the movie.
- The Wedding Planner: Instead of the iconic Franck Eggelhoffer, we get Chloe Coleman as a Gen-Z cousin who is basically a tech-savvy wedding influencer.
It’s Actually About the End of an Era
A lot of critics focused on the wedding, but the Father of the Bride 2022 is really about the death of the patriarch. Billy wants to pay for everything. He wants to control the guest list. He wants the traditional Cuban wedding. But Sofia and her fiancé, Adan, represent a new way of living. They want a small, eco-friendly wedding. They don't want to follow the rules Billy worked his whole life to uphold.
It’s a culture clash, but not in the way you’d expect. It’s not "White vs. Hispanic." It’s "Old School Hispanic vs. New School Global."
I think that's why it resonated so well. You've got these two very different Latin cultures—Cuban and Mexican—interacting on screen. That’s something Hollywood usually ignores, treating all Spanish-speakers as a monolith. Director Gaz Alazraki (who did Club de Cuervos) actually understands the nuances between these groups.
The scene where the two fathers argue over the "right" way to be successful is probably the best moment in the film. It’s uncomfortable. It’s funny. It’s very human.
Breaking Down the Financial Stress
In the original, the cost of the wedding was the big joke. In Father of the Bride 2022, the money is a weapon. Billy uses his bank account to try and maintain his status as the head of the family. When Adan’s father, a literal billionaire, offers to pay for the whole thing, Billy sees it as an insult to his manhood.
It’s a fascinating look at how pride can ruin a celebration. We see Billy obsessing over the details not because he cares about the napkins, but because he’s trying to prove he’s still relevant.
The Performance That Changed Everything
We have to talk about Andy Garcia.
He’s usually known for being "cool" or "intense" (think Ocean's Eleven or The Godfather Part III). Seeing him play a flustered, aging dad who is slowly realizing his marriage is over was a revelation. He brings a gravitas to the role that Steve Martin didn't have to worry about. Martin was playing for laughs; Garcia is playing for a sense of dignity.
And Gloria Estefan? She’s a natural. She doesn't have a massive filmography, but she carries the emotional weight of the movie. When she tells Billy that she doesn't love him anymore, you feel that. It's not a "movie divorce." It’s a "we’ve been together too long and I’m tired" divorce.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Remake
People love to say "they don't make movies like they used to." And they're right. If they made Father of the Bride 2022 like the 1991 version, it would have been a disaster. It would have felt dated and out of touch.
The 2022 version succeeded because it leaned into the messiness of modern life. It acknowledged that families are complicated, that traditions change, and that sometimes, the father of the bride doesn't "win" at the end. He just learns to let go.
It also smartly avoids being "too" political. It touches on immigration and success, but it keeps the focus on the people at the table. It’s a movie about a family that happens to be Cuban, rather than a movie "about" being Cuban.
The Impact on Streaming Numbers
When the film debuted on HBO Max, it broke records. It became the most-watched HBO Max original movie premiere within its first four days of release. That’s a huge deal for a rom-com remake. It proved that there is a massive, underserved audience for stories that feature diverse casts in universal situations.
You don't have to be Cuban to understand what it's like to have an overbearing father. You don't have to be Mexican to understand the awkwardness of meeting your in-laws for the first time. The Father of the Bride 2022 took those universal feelings and gave them a fresh coat of paint.
A Quick Look at the Critics
Rotten Tomatoes has it at around 72% for critics and 66% for audiences. That’s solid for a remake. Most people agreed that while it hits some predictable beats, the heart of the movie is in the right place.
Some die-hard Steve Martin fans hated it, obviously. They missed the "I’m a little guy in a big world" energy of the 90s version. But if you watch it as its own thing, it’s actually a much more sophisticated film than its predecessors.
📖 Related: The Cast of Lolita 1997: Why the Performances Still Spark Debate Decades Later
Actionable Insights for Your Next Movie Night
If you're planning to revisit this or watch it for the first time, keep these things in mind to get the most out of it:
- Watch the background characters: The extended family scenes are where the most authentic humor lives. The bickering in the kitchen is classic.
- Listen to the soundtrack: It’s a masterclass in Latin music, blending traditional Cuban sounds with modern beats.
- Look for the "Easter Eggs": There are several subtle nods to the previous films, but they are tucked away in the dialogue.
- Don't expect a slapstick comedy: Go in expecting a dramedy about a family in transition. It’s more My Big Fat Greek Wedding than Home Alone.
The Father of the Bride 2022 is a rare example of a remake that actually justifies its existence. It took a tired premise and made it feel urgent and modern. It reminds us that no matter how much the world changes, the terrifying prospect of your child growing up and leaving the nest is something that will always hurt—and always be a little bit funny.
If you want to understand the modern American family, skip the news for a night and watch the Herreras try to plan a wedding during a hurricane. It tells you everything you need to know about love, pride, and the chaos of moving forward.
Next Steps for Fans of the Movie
- Check out the soundtrack on Spotify: Look for "Father of the Bride (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)" to hear the mix of Ozuna, Byron Lee, and more.
- Explore the Director's Work: If you liked the tone, watch Club de Cuervos on Netflix. It has the same blend of high-stakes family drama and sharp wit.
- Compare and Contrast: Watch the 1950 and 1991 versions back-to-back with the 2022 one. It’s a fascinating sociological study on how "the ideal father" has changed over 70 years.