MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING - Bitesize Review # 2

My Big Fat Greek Wedding **½
USA/Canada: Joel Zwick, 2002.
Format: Original Theatrical Release

Note: My bitesize review was originally published by the Kent Messenger Newspaper Group and refers to the theatrical run of the film.

This comedy of opposing cultures has enjoyed considerable success at the U.S box office leaving producers Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson hoping for a similar response here in the U.K.

Brought up in Chicago by her traditional Greek family Toula (Nia Vardalos) is expected to honour her heritage by marrying a nice Greek boy and having several nice Greek children. However, much to her father’s despair (Michael Constantine) Toula has reached the age of thirty still single, living at home and working in the family restaurant.

Determined to gain some independence, Toula begins a college computer course and soon transforms herself from a dowdy waitress into an attractive and successful travel agent. It is in this role that she meets handsome teacher Ian Miller, played by John Corbett of Sex and the City fame. The blossoming romance that follows is marred by one small problem Ian isn’t Greek!

The ensuing sequence of events shows how the devoted couple attempt to facilitate the opposing aspects of their families’ backgrounds. It is here that most of the film’s humour is delivered, not least when Ian’s white upper-class parents are overwhelmed by the antics on display at an Easter party hosted by Toula’s family.

With a running time of an hour and a half My Big Fat Greek Wedding does not offer the same depth of characterisation or drama present in other inter-racially themed movies, such as East is East. Instead the film’s simplicity of plot allows for a warm hearted viewing experience with a steady flow of good lines. Director Joel Zwick reinforces this strength of the film with his conventional composition of shots and non-obtrusive camera movements.

Although the happy ending may be a tad too sentimental for some the memorable gags spread throughout the cast make each one of Toula’s opinionated relatives a joy to watch. If enjoyable family entertainment is what you seek I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.