Father of the Bride: #2 in Romance Hall of Fame Wedding Movies Category
Every girl dreams of her father giving her away on her wedding day, but for at least one over-protective Poppa, this dream is a bit of a nightmare. When George Banks (played by Steve Martin) discovers that his daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams- Paisley) is planning to say "I do," the doting Dad has to learn that a walk down the aisle doesn't mean that his little girl is walking out of his life.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
I've loved this movie since I was a little girl. I really loved the main song in the movie and actually sang it on the way the church when I got married.-- Angela
I love the relationship between the daughter and Dad.-- Amy
It's fun!-- David
This was the best movie! I love all the characters, the plot, how touching it is from the Dad's point of view.-- Sharon
Cast
Steve Martin-- From his days singing ditties about King Tut to tour de force triumphs in The Jerk, Roxanne, The PinkPanther and Shop Girl, this comedic star has been making 'em laugh for close to half a century. Years after playing the father of the bride in this 1991 remake, the funnyman tackled the role of groom in real life, marrying Anne Stringfield in 2007.
Diane Keaton-- Although she has chosen not to tie the knot, this silver screen stunner counts Warren Beatty, Al Pacino and Woody Allen among her past loves. Honored with Oscar nominations four times in the past four decades, the actress won the coveted award in 1978 for her role in Annie Hall.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley-- Stepping into the role made famous in the '50's by the world's most beautiful woman proved to be a successful move both professionally as well as personally for this performer, who caught the eye of her future husband, country crooner Brad Paisley, when be bought a ticket to see the 1991 maritally-minded movie. Following her role as bride-to-be Annie Banks, the actress would settle in for a long stint on the small screen in the ABC comedy According to Jim.
Monster-in-Law: #3 in Romance Hall of Fame Wedding Movies Category
Little did temp Charlie Canilini (portrayed by Jennifer Lopez) realize that her dog-walking job would lead her on a path to finding a permanent position in the heart of surgeon Kevin Fields (Michael Vartan). But the course of true love is never smooth, especially when the bride-to-be runs into a road block to her happiness-- her prospective groom's overbearing parent. While in the process of causing pre-marital mayhem, Viola Fields (Jane Fonda) learns how to untie the apron strings before her son ties the knot.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
I love this movie! Whenever I have to deal with my mother in law I can look at it and say well at least she didn't try to ruin the wedding on purpose. Well maybe. This movie is SO funny.-- AF
Wanda Sykes....she steals the movie with all her scenes.-- Bob
Michael Vartan being in the middle of his fiancee & mother.-- MJ
It's madd funny and I love Jennifer Lopez.-- Doroty
Jane Fonda-- The two-time Oscar winner took a fifteen year break form the big screen before being cast in this 2005 comedy.
Jennifer Lopez-- Very few famous faces attain such A-list status that the mere mention of their nickname conjures up a mental image. JLo would play a wedding planner shortly before taking on the role of bride-to-be in this 2005 flick.
Michael Vartan-- Best known for his years as agent Michael Vaughn on Alias, this French-born star followed his role as Doctor Kevin by taking on the mantle of Thomas Wakefield M.D. in the TNT drama series HawthoRNe.
The Philadelphia Story: #4 in Romance Hall of Fame Wedding Movies Category
Although her father Mr. Lord states that his daughter Tracy (portrayed by Katharine Hepburn) lacks an "understanding heart," three men are attempting to win it over in this classic tour de force of farce. Which suitor is best suited to walk the socialite down the aisle...her dependable but dull fiance George Kittredge (John Howard); Macaulay "Mike" Connor (Jimmy Stewart,) the intrepid tabloid reporter sent to cover Tracy's wedding ceremony, or her exasperating ex-husband, C.K Dexter Haven (Cary Grant)?
Clever quips dispersed in staccato dialogue made this George Cukor-directed comedy a sure-fire hit in 1940, and its wonderful witticism found its way onscreen again in the 1950's in a musical remake, High Society.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart in a classic, timeless romantic comedy directed by the legendary George Cukor? Enough said!-- Geoff
The online chemistry between Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Old fashioned classic romance.-- Nancy
Campy, funny trouble. Katharine Hepburn is a hoot!-- Sue
Love the dialogue in this movie. It's like Gilmore Girls, fast-paced. Love all the actors.-- Katharine
It is a classic tale of love tale with sophistication, elegance, and it saved Hepburn's career.-- Thomas
They don't make movies like this any more.-- Alex
Cast
Cary Grant-- The suave cinema icon created movie magic four times with fellow legend Katharine Hepburn, in SylviaScarlett, Holiday, Bringing Up Baby and with a little help from the saucy script for The Philadelphia Story.
KatharineHepburn-- Oscar may have eluded Hepburn for her role as Tracy Lord, but her four Academy Award wins secured her position as the queen of the silver screen.
Jimmy Stewart-- Although The PhiladelphiaStory was nominated for six Academy Awards, the classic garnered only two little gold men-- one for best adapted screenplay, and the other for best actor, which went to the Hollywood's original good guy.
Mamma Mia!: #5 in Romance Hall of Fame Wedding Movies Category
In the mid 1970's the music of ABBA was the soundtrack to every young romance, and three decades later the harmonies of the Swedish super group provides a heartbeat for a celebration both for the love of soulmates and of family in the cinematic retelling of the stage smash, Mamma Mia!
Like many brides-be-be, Sophie Sheridan (portrayed by Amanda Seyfried) dreams of her Dad walking her down the aisle on the day she says "I do." Attempting to turn her dream into reality she mails epistles to the three men who are her possible paternal figure, and in so doing both Sophie and the viewer embark on a jubilant journey that buoys the spirit like the toss of a wedding bouquet.
Filming Locations
Skopelos
The footprints left behind by the cast of Mamma Mia! have long been washed away by the waves that greedily rush up to shore on Kastani Beach, leaving in their wake a fresh slate for visitors to walk upon. An untold number of hearts bearing the initials of young lovers have been drawn on its surface over the years, and the golden sands will no doubt sift between the toes of countless couples on holiday who pay a pilgrimage to the island after seeing the pine-lined stretch of beach in several musical moments from the movie, including "Lay All Your Love" and "I Have A Dream."
Standing at the first of the 105 steps which lead to the tiny chapel, the whitewashed facade of Agios Ioannis appears to the eye like a small white cloud resting on the cliff's edge. The passage of time having erased the house of worship's origins, no one knows how long the chapel has listened to the prayers of devoted parishioners and vows of eternal devotion made by brides and grooms on their wedding days. The structure's beauty is captured on film both in its original form and as a faithful reconstruction in a London studio.
As though nodding hello to passersby,the small vessels moored at the Old Port bob patiently in the water, waiting to ferry passengers to the neighboring Sporades islands. As is the custom, each boat has been christened with its own name. In a loving homage to a beloved ABBA hit, movie goers will notice that Sophie's three fathers board a ride bearing the musically-inspired moniker Fernando.
Like portals into heaven, blue-painted doors are a calming contrast against the pristine exterior of the St. Nikolas Bell Tower. Christened for the patron saint of sea farers, the hillside structure silently guards over the fisherman who sit and watch the world go by in the town square, where moviegoers will see Sophie's dream of contacting her father begin to materialize as she slips three letters into a mailbox.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
It made me laugh,cry,sing,and dance--what more do you need.-- Carol
This is a wild and crazy movie. I loved the setting in Greece and the wonderful music.-- Nanette
Love Story and great escape.-- Kathy
I love the music!-- Jillian
Timeless.- Judith
I love hearing Meryl Streep sing and the way they incorporated ABBA songs into the movie to make it flow so seamlessly.-- Pamela
I loved all the music!-- Gloria
The ensemble cast plays well together.-- Susan
Hilarious!-- Linda
The music!-- Donna
Cast
Amanda Seyfried-- Stints on the daytime soaps As The World Turns and All MyChildren, followed by prime time appearances in Veronica Mars and Big Love and a starring role on the silver screen in Mean Girls led this former child model to her destiny of dancing and singing on screen in Mamma Mia!
Dominic Cooper-- Although he has swept Keira Knightley off her feet in The Duchess and Charity Wakefield in a television adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, his onscreen chemistry with Mamma Mia! co-star Amanda Seyfried sparked real life love.
Meryl Streep-- More accustomed to dramatic turns than dance steps, the most Oscar-nominated actress of all time was a Super Trouper during filming of the movie, and her efforts helped to make MammaMia! the most lucrative cinematic musical of all time.
Pierce Brosnan-- After making the small screen sizzle as Remington Steele, People magazine's former Sexiest Man Alive dared to take on the mantle of 007 before trying out his singing skills in the UK's most profitable movie in history.
Colin Firth-- Before acting to the beat of ABBA tunes, this British actor caused women's hearts to skip a beat with his portrayals of Mr. Darcy in a television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and barrister Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones's Diary.
Skellan Skarsgard-- The resume of this versatile Swedish star boats of roles in The Hunt for Red October, Pirates of the Caribbean, Good Will Hunting and Angels & Demons.
The Princess Bride: #6 in Romance Hall of Fame Wedding Movies Category
A tale of true love and high adventure helps to strengthen the bond between a boy and his grandfather in The Princess Bride, a contemporary cinema classic adapted from the novel by Oscar-winning screenwriter William Goldman.
As though stepping into the pages of an illustrated children's fantasy, romantics looking for the "good parts" version of a love story can escape the drudgery of daily life in the land of Florin, where a chivalrous swordsman spouting clever quips protects his lady fair from the evil clutches of a conniving prince. Looking for a happily ever after scenario? "As you wish."
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
I love this movie to death because it is funny and sweet. I love that after all those years both of them were still madly in love with one another.It makes me want some one like Westley who will risk it all just to sweep me off my feet and carry me off. I just love it completely.-- Monica
This movie has everything...romance, pirates, sword fights, monsters, humor, and love conquers all.-- Brenda
I love how it's a romance, comedy, and fantasy all wrapped up into one movie, and it's hilarious!-- Jessica
It's exciting and adventurous and full of fun!-- Christopher
When they are in the woods and he saves her and she finds out that it's him and he's not dead.-- Joyce
Comedy + adventure + romance.-- Megan
As much as I love this movie, the William Goldman novel that it's based upon takes this take on fairy tales to another level.-- Colin
A little of everything-- action, comedy, love.-- Paul
So funny and original. It is a great love story and fairy tale.-- Andrea
Romantic Quotes from The Princess Bride
(Westley): I told you I would always come for you. Why didn't you wait for me? (Buttercup): Well..... you were dead. (Westley): Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while. (Buttercup): I will never doubt again. (Westley): There will never be a need.
(Buttercup): You can't hurt me. Westley and I are joined by the bonds of love...and you cannot track that, not with a thousand bloodhounds, and you cannot break it, not with a thousand swords.
Since the invention of the kiss there have been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind. The End.
Cast
Cary Elwes-- After channeling his inner Douglas Fairbanks for his portrayal of Westley/The Dread Pirate Roberts, this British-born star continued to don period costumes for his roles in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Glory and Bram Stoker's Dracula before gaining a new audience of fright fans for his bone-rattling role in Saw.
Robin Wright Penn-- A regal presence onscreen as Buttercup, the Dallas-born beauty captured the hearts of movie goers once again as Jenny in Forrest Gump.
Mandy Patinkin-- His skills sharpened by years on stage, this versatile showman followed his role as swordsman Inigo Montoya with a string of successful small screen series, including Chicago Hope, Dead Like Me and Criminal Minds.
Andre The Giant-- Born Andre Rene Roussimoff, the world would know him by his wrestling moniker until his foray in front of the camera as Fezzik. Honored as the first inductee into the WWE hall of Fame, movie buffs would mourn his passing in 1993.
Wallace Shawn-- A mind as sharp as Vizzini's, this versatile playwright/actor has appeared in such diverse fare as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and The Cosby Show and his voice brought his animated roles in Toy Story and The Incredibles to life.
Chris Sarandon-- A star of both the stage and the big and small screens, Sarandon breathed life into the bones of Jack Skellington in Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: #7 in Romance Hall of Fame Wedding Movies Category
For 30-year-old Toula Portokalos, each day was as bland and beige as the cardigan sweater she wore to pour coffee at her father's Greek restaurant until destiny, in the form of Ian Miller (John Corbett), walked into the diner. Summoning the courage to change the course of her life, Toula not only finds her calling at a new job, she also finds herself with the gentleman caller of her dreams, who soon asks her to say "I do." The bride-to-be's happiness only hampered by her relatives, who at first find themselves tied up in knots over the thought of their little girl tying the knot with a non-Greek, this comedic culture clash offers a heartwarming homage to family which earned both the distinction as the top-grossing romantic comedy of all time and the number seven spot on Lovetripper's countdown of the best wedding movies of all time.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
This movie is a treat! It has something for everyone, comedy, romance, and drama. The characters are likable, the chemistry between the on-screen couple is delightful, and the plot will have to sympathizing and laughing along. You'll feel Greek in no time! ;)-- Amber
Just a good, funny old fashioned love story.-- Eileen
Because it's such an ugly duckling to swan story! And her family is SO funny! And he's so cute!-- Linda
I love My Big Fat Greek Wedding (written by and starring Nia Vardalos) because of the great jokes, the great male lead (John Corbett) and because it reminds me of Winnipeg, my hometown and also the hometown of Nia Vardalos.-- Judith
A great family movie and I love the plot. I'm part Greek and this movie really touches home with some of the traditions etc. Love the movie!-- Amy
I love how the movie can culturally relate to a lot of people. I can watch the movie over and over again and still laugh time and time again.-- Hilda
It was hilarious and yet touching because of all the uproar and I have many Greek friends that assured me that that's the normal Greek wedding. lol-- Futuresfaith
It was good and what I loved is that in the end it was one big happy wedding.-- Susan
This is the funniest movie I ever saw.-- Frances
Filming Locations
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse-- While Toula's recollections of Greek school may not necessarily be fond, the brick building in Old Town Toronto which served as the schoolhouse for the scene holds happy memories for the many couples who have exchanged vows in the Victorian era edifice.
Churches-- The facade of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Toronto has become a famous face thanks to its role as the exterior of the house of worship where Toula and Ian are pronounced husband and wife, while the murals that adorn the interior of Toronto's St. Nicholas Ukranian Catholic Church provide a reverential backdrop for the cinematic bride and groom.
Ellas-- Since 1967 couples have said "I do" and celebrated their new life together amid statues of the gods at Toronto's oldest Greek restaurant, which starred as Aphrodite's Palace, where newlyweds Toula and Ian joined hands with their families and danced during their wedding reception.
Favorite Quotes
I had to go to Greek school, where I learned valuable lessons such as, "If Nick has one goat and Maria has nine, how soon will they marry?"
Nice Greek girls are supposed to do three things in life: marry Greek boys, make Greek babies, and feed everyone-- until the day we die.
Toula: Why?... Why do you love me? Ian: Because I came alive when I met you
Toula's Mother: Toula, on my wedding night, my mother, she said to me, "Greek women, we may be lambs in the kitchen, but we are tigers in the bedroom." Toula: Eww. Please let that be the end of your speech.
You know, the root of the word Miller is a Greek word. Miller come from the Greek word "milo," which is mean "apple," so there you go. As many of you know, our name-- Portokalos, is come from the Greek word "portokali," which mean "orange." So, okay? Here tonight, we have, ah... apple and orange. We all different, but in the end, we all fruit.
Cast Nia Vardalos-- Drawing from her own experiences to write My Big Fat Greek Wedding, this Canadian-born comedic actress was inspired by the land of her ancestors once again with her most recent cinematic offering, My Life in Ruins.
John Corbett-- Known as the man behind the voice of Cicely, Alaska's radio station on NorthernExposure as well as for his voiceover work for Applebee's restaurant, this talented thespian has also been a part of A-list ensemble casts on both the small and big screen, including Sex and The City and the romantic comedy Serendipity. The actor can currently be seen on Showtime's The United States of Tara.
Lainie Kazan-- From Broadway to supper clubs, this consummate performer has done it all, but perhaps her most recognized role before stepping in front of the camera as the matriarch in this 202 romantic comedy was that of Aunt Frieda in TheNanny.
Michael Constantine-- A familiar face from his many TV appearances over the years, Constantine garnered an Emmy for his work in the 1970's series Room 222 and starred on the big screen in hits like If This is Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium before taking on the role of proud patriarch Gus Portokalos.
Ian Gomez-- Much like the movie's male protagonist, the actor who played Ian's snide co-worker Mike-- who may be best known to TV buffs as Dean & Deluca manager Javier on the beloved WB series Felicity-- converted to Greek Orthodox before taking Nia Vardalos to be his bride.
My Best Friend's Wedding: #8 in Romance Hall of Fame Wedding Movies Category
An agreement to walk down the aisle with her college chum in 10 years time if neither had met their perfect mate seemed to restaurant critic Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) to be the perfect recipe for her future. A decade after pledging their pact, however, Julianne's fall back plan falls through when the would-be groom she has taken for granted (played by Dermot Mulroney) falls for someone else.
Devising a scheme to win back the man of her dreams, Jules takes on the role of maid of honor in order to manipulate the couple's marital plans in a romantic comedy directed by P.J. Hogan, who brought the off-beat bridal story Muriel's Wedding to the big screen in 1994.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendation
My Best Friend's Wedding gives me the hometown feel of Chicago where I grew up, and with the great pairing between Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney there is no way one cannot fall in love with this story. I saw this movie when I was 8 years old and it has been my favorite wedding movie ever since. The music makes the movie a true classic and seeing Cameron Diaz at that young of an age is just remarkable! The story line is so original because its the not the classic heroine gets the hero at the end of the story, but the heart of plot is so much deeper. Its comedic sense is so real and I feel that everyone can connect to its amazing story.-- Melissa
I love that this movie shows how friends can really mean the world to you. You would do everything to ruin their wedding but in the end do everything to make it right when you find out they were really truly happier before.-- Grace
My favorite thing about My Best Friend's Wedding is that it tricks the audience into believing we want a certain ending. Julia Roberts is the b____ we adore and Cameron Diaz is the adorable girl we can't stand. But some how this film grabs us at the beginning by promising one thing but leaves us happily satisfied with a hopeful ending we didn't know we wanted. This film definitely manipulates us by being in the driver's seat, but I've never been so happy to be along for the ride.-- Ann-Marie
Great cast, lots of laughs, a few tears and a wedding... what's not to love!-- Rita
I loved this movie because it played with your heart strings big time! I felt so bad for Julia Roberts' character but happy when she was okay with everything.-- Marion
I think the three main characters had the perfect chemistry. It was funny and touching, and a pleasure to watch beginning to end.-- Rose
The singing in the restaurant was my favorite part.-- Joyce
Filming Locations
Cuneo Museum and Gardens-- Dreams of "I do" are often granted on the grounds of this Vernon Hills, Illinois estate. Once a private abode, in 1991 the mansion opened its doors to the public for self-guided tours. The manicured lawn which once felt the footfall of Cameron Diaz, Dermot Mulroney and Julia Roberts during one of the movie's key scenes is now often trod upon by the peacocks who add an extra touch of elegance to the refined residence.
Fourth Presbyterian Church-- Since 1914 this Gothic-influenced house of worship in Chicago, which served as the site of the movie's wedding scene, has welcomed flocks of the faithful.
Drakes Hotel-- A star in its own right, this landmark Chicago retreat from the Roaring '20's has appeared on the silver screen in Risky Business, The Blues Brothers and What Women Want.
Cast
Julia Roberts-- Since her 1997 role as potential wedding wrecker Julianne Potter, America's Pretty Woman has appeared in a string of box office successes, including another flick in which she filed down the aisle-- Runaway Bride.
Dermot Mulroney-- His rugged good looks landing him a number of roles in westerns, including Young Guns and Bad Girls, this Virginia-born thespian would once again find himself in a maritally-minded movie when he said "I do" to the script for The Wedding Date.
Cameron Diaz-- After her debut performance alongside Jim Carrey in The Mask, audiences realized that this blonde bombshell was a comedic queen disguised in the body of a beauty queen. Since her performance as bride-to-be Kimberly Wallace, the A-list actress has continued to make audiences chuckle in There's Something About Mary, The Sweetest Thing, Charlie's Angels, The Holiday and Shrek.
Rupert Everett-- Although the actual accolades were awarded to other stars that year, Everett's portrayal of Julia Robert's buddy George garnered this English actor nominations at the MTV Awards for best male breakthrough performance and best comedic performance, best supporting actor at the Golden Globes and best supporting actor at the BAFTAs. Later his voice would share the screen with that of Cameron Diaz, another cast member of My Best Friend's Wedding, as he took on the role of Prince Charming in the Shrek movies.
Rachel Griffiths-- Three years after warbling "Waterloo" alongside Toni Collette in Muriel's Wedding, this Australian actress found herself singing "I Say a Little Prayer (For You)" in this marriage-minded movie. Turning her sights to the small screen, Griffiths enjoyed a long run in Six Feet Under, and now in part of a star-studded ensemble cast in the ABC hit Brothers and Sisters.
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