My Big Fat Greek Wedding
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Movie Reviews of My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Movie Review: This Film Was A Pleasant Surprise.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have trouble believing that some people aren't crazy about this movie, but I know I like it At LeAst. This movie was born out of a play that Nia Vardalos wrote and starred in, which I haven't seen, but if it inspired this it's gotta be pretty good. Toula Portakalos is played of course by Nia herself.
With that we are shown footage of Toula back at the age of 6, where the other girls were blond and delicate, whereas she was a Swarthy 6 year old with sideburns. The rest of the girlsd eat conventianal American lunches in the Cafetaria while she eats mousakka.
Toula is single and working at the family's Eating establishment, Zorba's. She's a seating maiden.
Toula's father, named Gus is played by the talented Michael Constantine who puts forth an incredible performance. He encompasses all qualities Humorous, Knowledgeable, and tender at times. He is Very Proud of being Greek and says "There's two kinds of people in life, The Greeks and those who wish they were Greek." He is also quite practical, he uses Windex to heal wounds and cuts.
Toula's mother, Maria, is played by Lainie Kazan. She is more softspoken until being insulted by her husband ;). She is kind and supportive of the kid's desires, much moreso than Gus.
Voula is Aunt of Toula and (obviously) Maria's sister.
Toula's younger brother, Nick is a smart aleck who is yet to be married, he's played by Louis Mandylor.
Nick has the personality of a Studly young male wandering aimlessly through life, almost a male version of Toula, just more upbeat. He works at Zorba's too as a cook. He reminds the parents of his promise to marry a nice young Greek girl.
Toula's sister is more ideal in the parents eyes. She married young and had 3 kids.
There is ever present backing soundtrack in the form of Greek music, I'm not sure the name of the Harp-Sounding instrument being played. It's intertwined with a more subtle piano.
Joey Fatone from the Teen Pop Group N Sync is in the movie, andd Im no fan of that music Genre, I myself prefer Heavy Metal but that's beside the point. I have to cleanse myself of all prejudices I may have against the guy. He has scant few lines. His character is that of Husband to Toula's sister.
Ian Miller (played by John Corbett) is Toula's future Groom-to-be. His occupation is a School teacher and Best Friend to Mike, who is played by Ian Gomez (Ironically enough in real life he's the "Ian" Character in every sense of the word as he's married to Nia Vardalos.)
Toula meets Ian in the most Storybook of ways, him and Mike stop by Zorba's to dine. And it may or may not have been love at first sight, but this is for certain, him and Toula felt a connection right then and there: Toula told a joke that most people would find to be "Corny" but he laughed, much to her surprise.
The two don't cross paths again for a little while. Toula wants to branch out and broaden her horizons by taking Computer Classes at the Local college. She had done so in High School but had lost sight of the activity. Her Dad (Gus) doesn't react too kindly to the news, for fears falling in with Druggies at campus and also it sidetracks his ultimate wish: For her to get married and have kids. Well that's where Toula's mother (Maria) comes in. She goes to bat and persuades Gus into thinking that College is a good idea.
Toula at the time also goes through a style and beauty renaissance. She ditches her thick Glasses in favor of Contact Lenses and gets "Wavier" hair.
It is at work for a Travel Agency where Toula Sees Ian walking by from behind the windows and it's Puppy Love from there.
Thickening the plot is the fact that Ian is not Greek. He's also an Atheist and a Vegetarian. (I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't eat meat but thats irrelevant right now.)
These are qualities that won't gel very well with Toula's relatives, especially the fact he isn't Greek, no one in family history has even dated a Non-Greek.
The plot plays out pretty nicely from there. Along the way is plenty of humor that may even keep a Non-fan of Romantic Comedy entertained. Hey it worked for me. Plus, this film manages to avoid much of the Schlock, Schmaltz and Cheesiness that bog down some similar films.
Being An Irish-Catholic there's also a certain amount of Ethnic pride that I can relate to while viewing.
One of the main themes of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is culture clash. In there being certain conflicts between some (not all) members of various ethnic backgrounds. Like For instance Ian Miller being Non-Greek and how that plays out in Toula's family, which is very big. She has 26 First Cousins.
Also, on the Tales side of the coin there is the element of Ian's father and mother (who are played by Bruce Gray and Fiona Reid). They come off as your well-to-do W.A.S.P-ish pair. In fact they remind me of that painting of the old bald farmer with a pitchfork standing beside his wife!
They don't have much knowledge of Greece or people descended from that country. They thought Armenia was next door to it.
With all of what I stated, I won't spoil the film by giving away any more plot information. I'll give you a hint though it all ends happily.
A few people think that this movie perpetuates Stereotypes. What utter Hogwash. That reminds me of those who believe Gangsta Rap portrays Bad Stereotypes about Black People. It doesn't. These Rappers are detailing their life experiences of living in a Rough Crime infested neighborhood. You would have to be Thuggish and Rough-and-tumble to survive in an area like that.
On A similar note, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" does not portray Greek-Americans in a stereotypical manner. NOWHERE In the entire running time does the film imply "This is how the lives of all Greek Families are." Instead it just gives the lifestory and fairy tale courtship of a member of a fictitious Greek clan.
Movie Review: The Joy of all Things "Greek!"
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is a celebration of life steeped in tradition, family, love and just the joy of living; and it invites you to come in and participate in that celebration, rather than leaving you on the outside looking in, as it were, merely as an observer. A film that seemingly welcomes and passionately embraces all that is good and worthwhile in the world, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," directed by Joel Zwick, will make you laugh and make you cry, but most importantly, it will make you "feel." It's one of those rare cinematic experiences that afterwards makes the sky seem bluer, your step a bit lighter and a smile easier to come by; and when a film can do all of that, you know you've come across a bona fide treasure that you're going to hang onto for a long, long time in your memory.Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos) is thirty years old, lives with her parents in Chicago and works in the family restaurant, "Dancing Zorbas." Every facet of her life is imbued with all things "Greek," and by proclamation long since issued by her father, Gus (Michael Constantine), Toula is bound by all that is "holy" (read: "Greek") to marry a Greek, live a Greek life and bear many Greek children. For her to even think of doing otherwise would be unfathomable, unthinkable, unimaginable and, well..."UN-Greek."
So it becomes something of a conundrum for Toula when she meets and becomes interested in a man named Ian Miller (John Corbett), a guy who is decidedly NOT Greek in any way, shape or form. But he asks her out, and one thing leads to another and then another, but before Toula will allow things to get seriously out of hand, meaning "serious," she knows she must run up the flag, take a deep breath and tell her father. And for Toula, it just may be the hardest thing she's ever had to do in her life. Ian, meanwhile, is about to experience culture shock, as he is about to be confronted by a family that includes, for example, twenty-seven first cousins, something Ian isn't quite used to; after all, he has "two" of his own, and they live in another state.
The screenplay was written by star Nia Vardalos, adapted from her own one-woman show, and it fell into capable hands when she turned it over to director Joel Zwick, who picks up the rhythms and the "sense" of the story without missing a beat. Falling into step with his star, Zwick crafts and delivers a film that is totally immersed in the zest and zeal of living. Under his astute tutelage, the viewer becomes a part of Toula's life, sharing that grand heritage of which Gus is so proud. He brings the story and the characters to life with detail and nuance, and in such a way that your senses will kick into full throttle. The images he creates are so vivid, and it's such an engaging presentation, that the vitality he generates is almost tangible, and you can smell the lamb and all of those Greek delicacies cooking in the kitchen. And Zwick sets it all in motion by establishing a pace that will sweep you along with the story; a carousel ride that will keep you involved and smiling all the way to the end.
Nia Vardalos certainly captures the essence of all that is "Greek" with her story, and with her affecting performance as Toula. This is a young woman you get attached to very quickly; there's something of Benny, from "Circle of Friends" about her, as well as Muriel, from "Muriel's Wedding." It's a character your heart goes out to immediately, one to whom you wish all good things will come. There is an introspection to her portrayal that contrasts effectively with her vigorously outgoing environment, and it makes her presence all the more dominating and singular. And it's actually in the reserve Vardalos exhibits in her character that the viewer finds the way inside to Toula's deepest longings and emotions. Without question, this is a complex individual, in whom we find not only the strength necessary to maintain autonomy (which she manages to do within the greater structure of her family), but vulnerability born of the respect she demonstrates toward her father, her family and the traditions they so lovingly serve. It is this very complexity, in fact, that elicits the necessary empathy of the audience, enabling that vital connection between the viewer and Toula. And Nia Vardalos IS Toula, from the ground up and from the inside out. Moreover, one would be hard put to discern any distinction whatsoever between the actor and her character, as her performance is entirely natural and genuine.
As Toula's mother, Maria, Lainie Kazan is a delight. The character she creates is totally credible, and she's just a joy to watch. And the same can be said of Andrea Martin's performance as Aunt Voula. This is a VERY Greek woman who is boisterous, overtly self-assured, opinionated and dominant; and she will win you over in an instant. It is Maria and Voula that add some real spice to the film, and when you add in Gia Carides (who plays Nikki) to the mix, you've got a Greek feast fit for the gods.
Of all the actors in this wonderful cast, however, the one who absolutely steals "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," is Michael Constantine, who has the role of his career in Gus, and without question, makes the most of it. From his overabundance of Greek pride to his many and varied personal peccadilloes (like his ever-present bottle of Windex, which he is convinced can cure everything from a minor scrape to the common cold), he simply gives the performance of a lifetime; and if there is any justice in the whole "Greek" world, Constantine-- and this film-- will be duly remembered at Oscar time. It's the magic of the movies.
Movie Review: Are you pragmatic or romantic? This might be the test.
Summary: 5 Stars
When every second person you meet asks you if you have seen a movie, you start to really wish they would release the movie on DVD sooner.
Finally I was able to view a movie everyone I know has been telling me to see. EVEN people I don't know, like those in the line at the grocery store. Yes.
The absolute enthusiasm is like nothing I've seen in a long time. I mean, strangers are asking me if I've seen this movie.
Firstly, I think this movie is very popular because it presents a woman who is not a "pencil-thin waif" in the role of a romantic. She really is a woman we can all relate to. She has hips, she breaks out AND everyone in her family wants to know when she is going to get married and have kids. Hello, hello, hello reality. This is REAL.
Any woman who has planned a wedding and actually gone through with it without going half insane, will completely relate to Toula. No matter her age. This movie has those universal themes in it all woman can relate to. And then we have Ian (John Corbett) who could turn any woman into a complete mute in his presence. Which is what happens when Toula and Ian first meet.
Then, to top this all off. Ian not only does everything he can to please Toula, he says everything she NEEDS to hear. The fact is, she doesn't have to ask. This man really, really loves Toula. He is a woman's most romantic fantasy.
So, if woman are running up to you asking you why you haven't seen this movie or bought your own copy, that is my take on WHY.
This is one of those sweet and almost innocent movies that doesn't focus on sex scenes and all you will see is some kissing and a brief scene that is rather cute and funny when Toula "attacks" Ian. This movie gets right to the heart of the matter and deals with romance, family situations and love.
The plot is relatively simple because basically this is a very short and relatively uncomplicated courtship. This is a story told by Toula and therefore it takes on a "diary" feel.
I thought Toula changed a bit too fast from "mousy-hide-behind-counter" girl to "I'm-so-here" girl (scenes got cut??), but apart from that, Nia Vardalos is a very likeable actress who captured the innocence of Toula. I'm not sure how Ian turned out to be quite so wonderful with the types of parents they portray. I'd like to see parents portrayed in a different way than is recently acceptable. The "we-are-so-not-here-and-stare-into-space" parents are so not fun to watch onscreen.
How would a wonderful man like Ian be produced by "those" two parents? Sorry, not going to happen in my mind. I think they made his parents far too insecure and unintelligent. I'm sorry to say but the Greek family was not "that" different than any other family. It was like Ian's family had never left the house or met anyone of another culture in our multicultural society.
I think I laughed three or four times (where they keep making poor Ian say things in Greek he has no idea he is saying), but this was not a ROFLOL funny type movie. There are some serious issues they address well and other's they ignore.
I mean, would you not want to first study up on a certain religion before being baptized into a completely new religion?
It was like watching a "dating show" in some way and like "remembering" your own wedding in other ways.
Hey, even if this was overhyped, it was worth watching to see John Corbett in a role of a completely romantic guy.
Listen up guys out there. This is what will drive a woman wild. lol
What woman would NOT DIE to have a man ask her father if he could ask her out. Let alone make an effort to fit into her family life and adjust to a completely new religion.
They are onto something here, but this movie should have had a more complicated plot, not to mention a longer period of time between "mousy" to "I'm-so-here" girl.
Overall, I loved it and can see why alomst everyone does. If movies are at least moving in this direction there may be some hope for 2003-2004. Just wondering: "Did sales for Windex triple?"
They should have really played up the "Greek Food" aspects in this movie. They barely show you anything and had a great opportunity to promote Greek food, which is some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted.
I grew up with Greek friends and my parents learned how to make lamb on the spit and let me tell you, it is delicious beyond all expectations. Also, pass the Baklava, please. It does seem Ian loves Greek food, which is what gives us a hint at the start that he will fit in perfectly. Plus, he has such a laid back "I'm-so-in control-of-this-situation" attitude. It is just divine.
Basic Plot:
Girl sees Boy
Boy sees Girl but she is mousy.
Girl becomes goddess of desire and intellectual princess of travel.
Man sees Girl and remembers her for inner charm.
Girl tries to hide from Boy knowing family will never approve of dashing hunk who is not Greek.
Boy takes all in stride and conquers all in path on way to sweeping girl off feet.
Girl is stunned, amazed and impressed and how could she not be?
If you are a hopeless romantic, you will probably love it.
If your pragmatic nature has gotten a hold of you, you probably won't.
~The Rebecca Review
Movie Review: This Film Was A Pleasant Surprise
Summary: 5 Stars
I have trouble believing that some people aren't crazy about this movie, but at least I know I like it. This movie was born out of a play that Nia Vardalos wrote and starred in, which I haven't seen, but if it inspired this it's gotta be pretty good. Toula Portakalos is played of course by Nia herself.
Toula is single and working at the family's Eating establishment, Dancing Zorba's. She's a seating maiden.
Toula's father, named Gus is played by the talented Michael Constantine who puts forth an incredible performance. He encompasses all qualities Humorous, Knowledgeable, and tender at times. He is Very Proud of being Greek and says "There's two kinds of people in life, The Greeks and those who wish they were Greek." He is also quite practical, he uses Windex to heal wounds and cuts.
Toula's mother, Maria, is played by Lainie Kazan (She Was in "Gigli" Forgive her). She is more softspoken until being insulted by her husband ;). She is kind and supportive of the kid's desires, much moreso than Gus.
Voula is Aunt of Toula and (obviously) Maria's sister.
Toula's younger brother, Nick is a smart aleck who is yet to be married, he's played by Louis Mandylor.
Nick has the personality of a Studly young male wandering aimlessly through life, almost a male version of Toula, just more upbeat. He works at Dancing Zorba's too as a cook. He reminds the parents of his promise to marry a nice young Greek girl.
Toula's sister is more ideal in the parents eyes. She married young and had 3 kids.
There is ever present backing soundtrack in the form of Greek music, I'm not sure the name of the Harp-Sounding instrument being played. It's intertwined with a more subtle piano. Nice.
Joey Fatone from the Teen Pop Group N Sync is in the movie, andd Im no fan of that music Genre, I myself prefer Heavy Metal but that's beside the point. I have to cleanse myself of all prejudices I may have against the guy. He has scant few lines. His character is that of Husband to Toula's sister.
Ian Miller (played by John Corbett) is Toula's future Groom-to-be. His occupation is a School teacher and Best Friend to Mike, who is played by Ian Gomez (Ironically enough in real life he's the "Ian" Character in every sense of the word as he's married to Nia Vardalos.)
Toula meets Ian in the most Storybook of ways, him and Mike stop by Zorba's to dine. And it may or may not have been love at first sight, but this is for certain, him and Toula felt a connection right then and there: Toula told a joke that most people would find to be "Corny" but he laughed, much to her surprise.
The two don't cross paths again for a little while. Toula wants to branch out and broaden her horizons by taking Computer Classes at the Local college. She had done so in High School but had lost sight of the activity. Her Dad (Gus) doesn't react too kindly to the news, for fears falling in with Druggies at campus and also it sidetracks his ultimate wish: For her to get married and have kids. Well that's where Toula's mother (Maria) comes in. She goes to bat and persuades Gus into thinking that College is a good idea.
Toula at the time also goes through a style and beauty renaissance. She ditches her thick Glasses in favor of Contact Lenses and gets "Wavier" hair.
It is at work for a Travel Agency where Toula Sees Ian walking by from behind the windows and it's Puppy Love from there.
Thickening the plot is the fact that Ian is not Greek. He's also an Atheist and a Vegetarian. (I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't eat meat but thats irrelevant right now.)
These are qualities that won't gel very well with Toula's relatives, especially the fact he isn't Greek, no one in family history has even dated a Non-Greek.
The film plays out pretty nicely from there. Along the way is plenty of humor that may even keep a Non-fan of Romantic Comedy entertained. Hey it worked for me. Plus, this film manages to avoid much of the Schlock, Schmaltz and Cheesiness that bog down some similar films.
Being An Irish-Catholic there's also a certain amount of Ethnic pride that I can relate to while viewing.
One of the main themes of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is culture clash. In there being certain conflicts between some (not all) members of various ethnic backgrounds. Like For instance Ian Miller being Non-Greek and how that plays out in Toula's family, which is very big. She has 26 First Cousins.
Also, on the Tales side of the coin there is the element of Ian's father and mother (who are played by Bruce Gray and Fiona Reid). They come off as your well-to-do W.A.S.P-ish pair. In fact they remind me of that painting of the old bald farmer with a pitchfork standing beside his wife!
A few people think that this movie perpetuates Stereotypes. That short-sighted statement reminds me of those who believe Gangsta Rap portrays Bad Stereotypes about Black People. What Utter Hogwash. It doesn't. These Rappers are detailing their life experiences of living in a Rough Crime infested neighborhood. You would have to be Thuggish and Rough-and-tumble to survive in an area like that.
On A similar note, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" does not portray Greek-Americans in a stereotypical manner. NOWHERE In the entire running time does the film imply "This is how the lives of all Greek Families are." Instead it just gives the lifestory and fairy tale courtship of a member of a fictitious Greek clan.
Movie Review: Intelligent and Humorous
Summary: 5 Stars
It seems like it's harder and harder for the film industry to come up with something original. In many cases you can point to a film and list multiple movies in the same genre, and often the current movie is either a direct remake or a thinly veiled remake. Not so with "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".Nia Vardalos plays Toula Portokalos, a rather frumpy Greek-American. Her family is somewhat stereotypical. However, the stereotype, while extreme, is within the realm of truth. Have been involved deeply with people from other countries, I have observed that quite often they see everything in terms of their own nation. What Gus Portokalos has on his garage door is hilarious, as one example.
Toula is 30 years old, and single; a near death sentence in her Greek family where woman are expected to marry young, feed everyone, and make more Greek babies (according to Toula). While working as a "seating hostess" in her father's restaurant, she meets Ian Miller, played by John Corbett. The sparks begin to fly almost immediately. After several creative scenes, Ian and Toula finally date, and quickly grow to love each other.
Toula's family is a riot. Because her family is very large, and very close, her extended family includes dozens of members. The two characters that stood out in my mind are Michael Constantine as Gus Portokalos, and Andrea Martin (of the long-defunct SCTV) as Aunt Voula. There are other actors you might recognize, but virtually every scene with Aunt Voula was funny, and Gus Portokalos as the supposed head of the family was easily manipulated by the real heads of the family, the women, making many of his scenes very funny.
This movie is not the slapstick buffoonery we see in other contemporary comedies such as those by Eddie Murphy. Here the humor is the contrast between the too pure-white, upper middle class, and small family of Ian Miller and the richly patriotic, ethnically cohesive, and large family of Toula Portokalos. The Millers are overwhelmed by Toula's huge and relatively bizarre family. For example, the Portokalos hold an outdoor barbecue on their front lawn with hundreds of people. Whatever would the neighbors think would be the typical reaction of many people in many middle class neighborhoods. The Portokalos interpret (or try) everything the Millers do by their own standard. Both families are clueless regarding the other, and our objective view of both families give us the opportunity to find the humor in how little each knows about the other.
Ian finds Toula to be interesting. Similarly, Toula finds something about Ian interesting. Each feels that the other offers something different. That difference is multiple, in terms of lifestyle, personality and expectations. The viewer should not expect Toula to become Cinderella. She does not and can not, and Ian is not looking for Cinderella. In fact, Ian may be looking for non-Cinderella. However, she is Ian's princess, and that's what truly counts.
I particularly enjoyed the ending of the movie. There is a point as the movie nears the end where we realize that while the differences between the families and the lifestyles are large, ultimately both families have common interests. For me that key moment pulled the whole movie together, explaining that the point of the movie, after highlighting the differences between the characters and their families, was that we all pretty much want and like the same or similar things. Because I was personally touched by this moment, I'll let the viewers see for themselves what that moment might be, which may be different for them.
This movie is not a wildly hilarious slapstick comedy. Instead, its humor is unabashedly ethnic-based. However, its stereotypes are not generally derogatory, any more so than those of say, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" with Chevy Chase. But this movie will make you smile, and the touching moments will make you feel good. An intelligent movie that relies on simple story-telling, this movie deserved the accolades it received, and earns a 5-star rating.