A Very Brady Sequel

In 1996, the Brady Bunch returned to the big screen in A Very Brady Sequel, directed by Arlene Sanford. The film follows the Brady family as they navigate the challenges of the 90s, all while being completely out of step with the times.

Shelley Long and Gary Cole reprise their roles as Carol and Mike Brady, the parents of the Brady family. The film opens with a mystery: a man claiming to be Carol's long-lost first husband shows up, throwing the family into chaos. The man, named Roy Martin (played by Tim Matheson), has convincing proof that he is indeed Carol's ex-husband, but something seems off about him.

As it turns out, Roy is an impostor, a con artist trying to swindle the Bradys out of a valuable artifact that they don't even know they have: a priceless artifact stolen from a local museum. Meanwhile, the Bradys try to keep things running smoothly with their jobs: Mike is making a video for his architecture firm, while Carol is trying to get her catering business off the ground.

All the while, the film takes humorous jabs at 90s culture and fads, from grunge music to ecstasy. The Brady family remains firmly rooted in the past, with their polyester outfits, wholesome attitudes, and naïve outlooks. They are consistently bewildered by the changes happening around them, but they try to acclimate as best they can.

As the impostor Roy spends more time with the Bradys, they start to catch on to his true motive. They even enlist the help of Alice, their loyal housekeeper (played by Henriette Mantel), to investigate his claims. But as the Bradys try to expose him, Roy proves to be a formidable adversary, always staying one step ahead of them.

Eventually, the Bradys discover the valuable artifact hidden in their house and try to get it back to the museum. But Roy and his partner in crime, Doreen (played by Megan Ward), are hot on their trail, leading to a madcap chase across the city.

One of the strengths of A Very Brady Sequel is its excellent casting. Shelley Long and Gary Cole embody the spirit of the original show, bringing that same wholesome, family-friendly vibe to the big screen. The supporting cast is equally impressive, including Jennifer Elise Cox as Jan Brady and Christine Taylor as Marcia Brady. Fans of the original series will appreciate the attention to detail in the casting and the recreation of the Brady's iconic house.

The film also makes subtle references to the original show, including nods to classic moments and catchphrases. However, even if you've never seen the original series, the film stands on its own as a hilarious family comedy.

Overall, A Very Brady Sequel is a fun and lighthearted film that is sure to make you laugh. Its tongue-in-cheek humor and wacky plot keep things interesting, while its heartwarming message about family and loyalty is just as relevant today as it was in the 70s. Whether you're a fan of the original show or just looking for a good comedy, A Very Brady Sequel is definitely worth checking out.