Three Men and a Little Lady

Three Men and a Little Lady, released in 1990, is a charming sequel to the 1987 hit film, Three Men and a Baby. This comedy-drama is directed by Emile Ardolino, known for his work on popular films like Dirty Dancing. Three Men and a Little Lady stars the charismatic trio of Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson, whose chemistry balances the comedy and emotional resonance in the narrative.

The film picks up from where the first film left off and continues the amusing adventures of three bachelors trying to maneuver the bumpy road of parenting. In the first film, the casual and free life of the three leads - Peter Mitchell (Selleck), Michael Kellam (Guttenberg), and Jack Holden (Danson) - was hilariously disrupted when they had to care for a left-behind baby, Mary, whom they knew nothing about. As they juggled their busy lives with the unexpected responsibilities of childcare, they bumbled their way through late-night feedings, diaper changes, and baby walks, leading to some laugh-out-loud sequences.

In Three Men and a Little Lady, the baby Mary is now an adorable five-year-old, played by the delightful Robin Weisman. What the audience will immediately notice is that the lives of these unlikely fathers have now revolved entirely around their little charge. Proving that all notions of bachelorhood are long left behind, the trio dotes on their little princess and treats her like the center of their world, giving us a picture of unconventional family life that is both charming and heartwarming.

While the film pivots on the comedy, the subplots add depth to the narrative. There's Sylvia (Nancy Travis), Mary’s mother, who has lived with the trio since the first film. Her character helps integrate a sense of the traditionally maternal into the dynamic of our three fathers, and brings an interesting romantic element into the mix. Sylvia, an actress, is considering a marriage proposal from her British director. However, this implies moving to the UK, which would separate Mary from the trio.

This prospect imagine throws the three leads into upheaval. Each character is at a kind of crossroads. Architect Peter is unfulfilled by his lucrative work designing shopping malls and yearns for something more meaningful. Cartoonist Michael is struggling with romantic feelings for Sylvia, which he is unable to express. Actor Jack starts questioning his shallow celebrity lifestyle. The looming separation from Mary acts as the catalyst for change in their lives.

The situational comedy is still very much at the forefront of the film, with some classic slapstick scenes manifesting the trio's desperate attempts to prove how indispensable they are in Mary's life. They fumble and stumble, but their love for Mary makes their actions comprehensible and endearing. Inner emotional conflicts make their characters evolve in the process, giving deeper complexities to their roles.

Three Men and a Little Lady is still very much a sequel, following the themes of parenting, friendship, and love from the first film. It successfully interweaves the elements of comedy, romance, drama, and heartfelt moments to create an entertaining movie that appeals to a wide audience. The comedic chops of the three leads are showcased wonderfully as they grapple with situational humor and the pains of changing diapers, while their endearing performances as devoted fathers leave you with a warm tug at your heartstrings.

The film also gives us insight into the 90s pop culture, fashion, and lifestyle through its vivid portrayal of New York's city life, and by taking us on a picturesque journey through British countryside. The score is loveable, further enlivening the film’s atmosphere. The actors, plot, and direction combine to seamlessly bring out the humorous and emotional aspects of the narrative.

The film has aged well, becoming somewhat of a classic over the last three decades. It is a definitive must-watch for those who enjoy family-oriented films with a good mix of humor and heartfelt sentiment. Enjoy the adventure of three bachelor buddies evolving into a unique but loving family in Three Men and a Little Lady.