In 1998, Nia Vardalos wrote and starred in a Second City comedy play in Chicago about her Greek upbringing and all the problems she went through with her parents when she married a non-Greek. Rita Wilson, who is also Greek and Tom Hanks' wife saw the show and she was instrumental in getting the film made. Hanks produced the comedy fueled by ethnic humor, My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos) is a 30-year-old woman who still lives with her Greek Orthodox parents and works at their restaurant. To say she is less than excited at where she is in her life at this point would be a gross understatement. She makes strides and begins working at her aunt's travel agency where she falls in love with a dreamy young high school teacher named Ian Miller (John Corbett). Things get steamy when her very traditional family gets wind of the fact that she is dating a non-Greek man! Eventually she accepts his engagement, and we get to experience all the fun things he has to do to become part of the family.
Part of the movie falls very flat, and certain other aspects such as the ethnic and family humor make this enjoyable and entertaining. It lacks a little believability, but then romantic-comedies are usually not known for being very realistic. The acting is great from everyone, even NSYNC member Joey Fatone as one of Toula's cousins. You really feel like you are looking at a Greek family in Chicago when you watch this film. The love story is cute, charming and unrealistic.
Not a movie for everyone, it is a must for all Greeks and all others who enjoy a movie that makes fun of its characters. Ethnic and family humor at it's best; this movie is for people who enjoy lighthearted comedy and romance. The movie is not enthralling or monumental in anyway, it is something we have seen done before, just not with a Greek family. Some of the jokes are the same, some of them are new and most of them are funny to hear again. My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a pleasant and intelligent alternative to the other films opening this weekend.
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