‘MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING’: ABOUT FAMILY AND LOVE

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Once upon a time a little Indie film that wasn’t anticipated to live up to its name did that and then some. Its preemptive arrival was of a quiet sort only if you look inside, and you found a big and very entertaining story about vibrant and fun characters. Fourteen years later, everyone is remembering this 2002 film that told a story of family, food and finding love.  

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) Film Review

Being 30 for Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos) means in her father’s old-fashion thinking, she’s now “old” and past a marriageable age. As a child in a large Greek family, Toula endured her classmates thinking her strange without ever making any real friends. As adults, her sister has a ring and two children and is, according to her father, a success. Her brother, Nick (Louis Mandylor), is also unmarried, looking for approval from their father but without the pressure Toula has. Instead, every day she engages in the same routine living under her parent’s roof, and works in their family restaurant. And then something changes.  

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Eventually Toula begins to enjoy a sense of freedom when she talks her father into letting her take night classes at the local college. This then leads to her working at her aunt’s travel agency, and then she meets Ian (John Corbett). A schoolteacher, Ian is funny, kind and everything Toula wishes for. There’s only one (very big) flaw in her otherwise perfect life: Ian is not Greek. 

Who else remembers this quirky romantic-comedy? I missed seeing this one when it was “cool” but then what else is new!? (She asks sarcastically.) It would be many years later before I’d finally find a copy in one of those “bargain buy” displays and would actually pick up a copy. Since that inaugural viewing, I think I’ve only seen this once when, a couple of weeks ago, my mother and I figured a re-watch was in order. That came about as a result of planning to go see its sequel My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 in theaters this past week. 

FILM REVIEW | My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)

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As I say above, to this day, this is still one of the best (romcom) box office and Indie hits of the modern era. It uses a simple idea and, with the producing help of Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson, turns it into something memorable; a staying power unusual to romantic-comedies that has lasted these past fourteen years. The one bit of magic that My Big Fat Greek Wedding captures is the sense of family the script expresses. There’s a relatable, charming value in the story because it shows family in all of its messy and beautiful forms. 

Likely another reason this has stood apart is the cast who, while talented, aren’t the norm the ordinary romantic-comedy headlines. Nia and John have a great chemistry as they deepen their courtship. The supporting cast of characters too is memorable and fun to hang out with for 90-some minutes as they busily and noisily butt into Toula’s life. Often their shenanigans are as humorous as they are realistic in their depiction. (Albeit clearly exaggerated and silly to keep within its bubble of romcom bliss.)

‘MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING’ (2002). Review of the classic indie rom-com about a woman who lives her under Greek father's protective thumb. Text © Rissi JC

If you’re a fan of lighthearted romances, and you’ve yet to experience this one, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a must see. Between the cute premise and genuine emotion, it’s a classic despite the dated and campy sense of humor. The familial relationships are great fun, and of course then there’s the swoon-y romance. That, for all of us romantics, will be enough said.

Content: There is some mild innuendoes about sex lives. This mainly from Toula’s aunt who attempts to give Toula advice on intimacy; there’s one other scene that shows a couple in bed, sheets scattered about. The film is PG.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

11 comments

  1. This movie is a family classic! I can't remember when we first saw it (but it was pretty early on) or how many times we've seen it, and quotes from it are part of my fam's everyday vocab! It short I love this movie! I absolutely can't wait for the second one, we have a family outing planned to see it on Sunday!

    1. YAY! How awesome, Abbi; I hope you enjoy the sequel. My family thought it was every bit as good. Let me know what you all think. :)

  2. I remember loving this movie, but it's been so long since I've seen it that I definitely need to watch it again! I'm looking forward to the sequel, too! :)

    1. YAY! Hope you enjoy revisiting this one – and like the sequel, Tammy. It was lots of fun. Let me know what you think if you have a chance to see it. :)

  3. One of my favourite movies EVER. This is basically my family, except we are Italian. It was like looking in a dysfunctional mirror LOL!!!

    1. Your family always looks like they're having a blast, Lydia. The pictures/tweets you share are always fun. That's part of the reason these movies are so well received (at least I think so), because, in varying forms, they're so easy to relate too. Yes, family can be overwhelming sometimes (even if the number isn't near what Toula's is ;D), but at the end of the day, they're family. And that's all that matters. Thanks for visiting, Lydia. You're always welcome. :)

  4. I remember hearing all about the phenomenal response to this movie when it first came out. Wasn't it in theaters forEVER? And well deservedly so because it's "sups adorbs" as our favorite Lydia would say. :) I found a copy at a thrift store a few months ago, but haven't watched it again yet. Crazy, right? This review just makes me want to go home right now and watch it!

    1. I'm not sure why this made it as big as it did (in comparison to some of its peers), but it IS "sups adorbs" (love Lydia!). For me, I think it's an easily relatable film because of its family shenanigans. As for you watching it, you picked a great time, girl. With the sequel, you can watch them back-to-back. :)

      As always, I'd love to know what you think if/when you see it. :)

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