Based on the similarly titled New York Times bestselling novel by Dr. Meg Meeker, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters offers a heartwarming, inspirational escape from the R-rated films we can’t seem to get away from.
Steve Parston (Bart Johnson), a well-to-do businessman is trying his best to raise three daughters. He has his wish list of what he expects from them. But Abby (Carrie Wampler), his eldest daughter is causing him a bit of grief when she announces her engagement to Oz (Brandon Prado), a young missionary. Abby, it seems, is ready to abandon a promising junior executive career working for her dad in favor of running off to Africa. Her decision seems noble enough as the young couple plan to care for the poor as missionaries with the church.
Steve and wife Connie (Robyn Lively) struggle to reconcile Abby’s dreams to start a new life with what Steve had so meticulously planned. It’s an abrupt turn that drastically changes everything both parents have envisioned for their daughter, including a large wedding for Abby.
Adding authenticity, Robyn and Bart are married in real life. Precocious daughters Zoey (Kayla DiVenere) and Crystal (Arden Myrin) round out the Parston clan, each with their own quirks. Robyn Lively dives into her role as the caring wife and the glue that somehow holds the family together.
Maria Canals-Barrera and David Barrera work well together as Oz’s parents, Carlos and Bella. Carlos provides sage advice to Steve, which he takes in small palatable bites, still unconvinced that his daughter is doing the right thing going to the other side of the world to do missionary work. We learn that Carlos has gone through what Steve faces more than once with his daughters.
Despite Steve’s initial failings, Strong Fathers delivers its message–family, parenthood, and marriage take work and understanding. This comes to the fore when Zoey, rebellious throughout the film, learns that underage parties are not as ‘cool’ as they seem. Steve embarrasses Zoey at the party by dragging her out as teens whip out their cell phones to document the event. But sister Abby does a nice job of putting the episode in perspective.
Given Abby’s upsetting news, the tenuous wedding is still on as Steve grudgingly begins to accept Abby’s decision. To lighten things up, Bonnie (Jennifer Manley) plays the effusive, over-the-top wedding planner with antics that take us back to Martin Short’s ‘Frank’ in Father of the Bride. Things turn sour when Steve gives his speech at the wedding, revealing to all how he really feels about Abby’s plans to go to Kenya.
Skillfully penned by Amy Snow and David De Vos, Strong Fathers entertains while keeping you somewhat guessing. As the story progresses, we see Steve morph from confused father to a stronger and wiser parent. In this day, where fathers are typically portrayed as goofball no-nothings in film and TV, Strong Fathers breaks the stereotype. There are some laugh-out-loud antics, some tear-jerking moments, and lots of love.
Strong Fathers serves up a predictable but much-needed message about families working together. In today’s troubled times, families can persevere through communication, patience, and a bit of give-and-take to solve complex problems and build strong futures together. The family-friendly movie teaches fathers about letting go of their daughters, and when to step in to ensure they head toward a positive future.
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters is available on Prime Video. See more info and the trailer here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7472122/
