Betsy's Wedding

Betsy's Wedding is a romantic comedy film from 1990 that starred Alan Alda, Molly Ringwald, and Joey Bishop. The film follows the story of Betsy (played by Molly Ringwald), a young woman who has been in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend, Jake (played by Dylan Walsh), and is ready to get married. However, before the wedding can take place, Betsy's large and intrusive family must all come together to plan and prepare for the ceremony.

One of the main characters in the film is Betsy's father, Eddie (played by Alan Alda). Eddie is a self-made man who is obsessed with the idea of success and maintaining the perfect image of his family. He is constantly competing with his brother-in-law, Oscar (played by Joe Pesci), who is a successful businessman with a high social standing. Eddie is determined to make Betsy's wedding the most lavish affair ever, going so far as to spend way beyond his means on expensive decorations, catering and entertainment.

Another major character in the film is Betsy's mother, Lola (played by Madeline Kahn). Lola is a colorful and eccentric person who has a passion for life and never takes anything too seriously. She is not entirely thrilled about the idea of her daughter getting married, believing that Betsy should focus on finding herself and enjoying life rather than tying herself down to a marriage.

As the wedding preparations get underway, conflicts arise between the family members. Eddie's obsession with maintaining his image leads to tension between him and Oscar, with both men competing to create the most extravagant affair. Meanwhile, Betsy's sisters (played by Ally Sheedy and Molly Hagan) are dealing with their own personal problems, one battling a secret addiction, the other experiencing relationship issues of her own.

Despite the tensions and conflicts, the family members eventually come together to create a beautiful and memorable wedding for Betsy and Jake. The wedding is filled with music, dancing, and plenty of laughter.

Throughout the film, Betsy struggles to reconcile her own desires with the expectations of her family. She loves Jake and wants to get married, but she also wants to live her own life and make her own choices. As the wedding approaches, she realizes that she must stand up for herself and have the wedding she truly wants, not the one her family is forcing upon her.

Overall, Betsy's Wedding is a heartwarming and humorous film that explores the nature of family, love, and personal freedom. The film deals with themes of social status, sibling rivalry, and the struggle to find one's own path in life. With a talented cast and witty script, it remains a classic romantic comedy that is just as entertaining today as it was when it was first released.