A VERY BRADY SEQUEL was the 1996 sequel to THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE which tries to touch upon all the episodes of the classic TV series that the first movie didn't. The paper-thin premise of this sequel centers on the appearance of a shady con-man (Tim Matheson) who arrives on the Bradys' doorstep claiming to be Carol's long-lost first husband, who, according to this film's opening scene, was lost at sea. The con-man is really there to get his hands on a statue that has sat in the background of every episode of the TV show and we now learn that it is part of a set and worth a lot of money. But the funniest part of this movie for me is a subplot in which after Roy's arrival, Greg (Christopher Daniel Barnes) and Marcia (Christine Taylor) learn they may not be brother and sister and start lusting after each other. This is, of course, a knowing nod to all those who have read Barry Williams' book GROWING UP BRADY where he confesses to having been madly in love with Maureen McCormick and had trouble looking at her in a sisterly way when they were working. This movie addresses this in a hysterical scene where Greg and Marcia are sharing the room in the attic and start undressing in silhouette. This scene is cleverly shot and perfectly performed by Barnes and Taylor. The rest of the cast has settled comfortably into their roles for this sequel, especially Gary Cole, who is just spooky as Robert Reed as Mike Brady and Jennifer Elise Cox, who steals every scene she is in as Jan. The fun peters out before a truly lame finale, but for true fans, there is fun to be had here.

It turns out that the horse statue in the Brady family living room is a priceless artifact unbeknownst to the Bradys. The gang is back with the same satirical take on the 70s TV family. Tim Matheson plays the mysterious man who shows up claiming to be Carol Brady's first husband Roy. Carol doesn't recognize him but he claims to be disfigured by an elephant. Everybody buys into the story as he tries to steal the horse.

The gang is still fun satire but Tim Matheson adds nothing to the movie. The setup needs to be more natural and not so stupid. The family should be the only ones doing silly things. Also they keep pushing Marcia and Greg together. Everything is just a little bit too awkward. The first Brady Bunch movie is much more in keeping with the ideas of the original TV show.

We may wonder why they would make a sequel, given that the original series is widely considered so fluffy. But "A Very Brady Sequel" isn't half bad. Portraying a man (Tim Matheson) showing up at the Bradys' house and announcing that he was Carol's first husband long believed dead, the movie pulls some neat tricks. The whole thing about "George Glass" was kinda funny.

So, there's nothing particularly special here, but it's an OK way to pass time. Like in the first movie, we can definitely see the contrast between the 1970s and 1990s. Also starring Richard Belzer, Barbara Eden and David Spade in small roles.