My Big Fat Greek Wedding
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Movie Reviews of My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Movie Review: A Must-Own for a DVD Home Library
Summary: 5 Stars
This DVD features the most successful independent film in history. Produced for only $5 million dollars, and grossing $240 million so far it is a phenomenon. But this phenomenon is a superbly crafted and entertaining romantic comedy. As a male, this is not a genre I invest money in buying tapes or DVD's. Word of mouth convinced me otherwise; after seeing the DVD I believe this is a home video library must-own. Nia Vardalos who wrote the script (a true story about her romance and marriage to a non-Greek) and stars in the movie does a perfect acting job, the dialog is so real, and the maudlin scenes edited so crisply that I was easily won over. I laughed out loud a lot. And what an ensemble of supporting actors! John Corbett, the philosopher-DJ from "Northern Exposure" TV fame plays his male lead role convincingly, while the parents are played by no less than Michael Constantine("Room 222", "Law and Order"), and Lainie Kazan(currently Aunt Honey on "Will and Grace" but an accomplished actress and a popular vocalist in her own right, especially in the 1960's). Andrea Martin ("Second City" and "SCTV" alumna) a terrific comedienne, plays the busybody aunt. The DVD is put together with cast bios, extra music features and special audio commentary with Nia, Corbett and director Joel Zwick.
This movie has now become a CBS television sitcom called "My Big Fat Greek Life" featuring the entire movie cast, except for Corbett (who has another commitment). Reviews of the TV show say it is a winner. Watch the DVD to give you background for the TV show, or just to laugh out loud and enjoy a heart-warming atypical (non-Hollywood) cinema experience.
Movie Review: Possibly the best movie now out there
Summary: 5 Stars
Saw this movie in a local "art" theater, in a large screening room which was packed, despite the fact this movie has been running there a good two months.MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, and SUNSHINE STATE, neither yet in a large chain theater, are the two best movies out now. Unless you like seeing Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, or Harrison Ford all in what is essentially the same spy movie, with explosions and guys falling off buildings.
Nia Vardalos, star and writer, presents her self as she is, ethnically beautiful but not starlet-pretty, which plays a major role in her character's self-image.
The theme is universal and we care about the characters. Excellent performances by the two of the best character actors in the business, Lainie Kazan (who looks so much like Nia Vardalos) and Michael Constantine. John Corbett is, as always, John Corbett, a fine and subtle actor.
Ms. Vardalos put together a package whose backers included IFC / Independent Film Channel, HBO, Joel Zwick, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hanks. (Tom, by the way, is in the only Hollywood movie worth seeing, a terrific movie, ROAD TO PERDITION.)
Some emigrants to America held onto their European culture at all costs. This movie depicts such a family. But like many, the next generation is more open to new ideas. AMERICAN RHAPSODY had such a theme. Both do it very well.
Perhaps the best scene is a minor one in which Louis Mandylor, playing Nia's brother, makes friends with/threatens John Corbett-or does he? So well written, so subtly directed, so well acted.
Why is Corbett not yet a matinee idol?
Do yourself a favor. Take the family. Eat. Watch. Laugh. Feel.
Movie Review: You don't have to be Greek to enjoy this film....
Summary: 5 Stars
to enjoy this film. If you have a big noisy family or you married into a big, noisy family, you will feel right at home in this film.Toula Portokalos (Nia Vandalos)is a failure at 30 because she hasn't met her family's goals - to mary a Greek man and produce Greek children. She works at her family's restaurant, the "Dancing Zorbas" as a "hostess". She wears thick glasses, dull clothes and her hair is unkempt. In walks Ian Miller (John Corbett) and her whole attitude changes. She works hard on her mom to allow her to change jobs and got to night school to work inher aunt's travel agency. Along the way, she acquires contact lenses, a new wardrobe and a new hairdo. But the outside transformation doesn't begin to match the inside one - she is determined to meet and date Ian. The transformation is credible - she doesn't start off looking like the "Incredible Hulk" and wind up looking like "Wonder Woman".
She and Ian begin to date. Ian realizes she is the restaurants hostess and the scene is played credibly. Somehow Ian runs the gauntlet of meeting the parents and trying to obtain approval. Toula for her part meets Ian's parents - quiet and reserved, they are so totally different than her family it's a wonder she doesn't faint from the shock.
Somehow or another, despite Toula's dad's disapproval, they manage to pull the wedding off and it's believable and wonderful.
I recommend this movie highly, not just a "chick flick" my two adult sons and my husband also enjoyed the film. And take a look at Nia Vardalos' real life hubby, the one that inspired this tale - he's Ian's buddy in the coffee shop.
Movie Review: My BIG FAT GREEK Wedding!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I figured out that "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was not going to be at the movie theatre near my house, I was quite enraged. I've never been a real "stickler" for movies such as this, because I'm usually one that only enjoys horror movies or action flicks, but for some reason this movie seemed to catch my eye. So when it came out to rent, I marched my happy self up to the movie rentals and got myself a copy.Did I watch it the first night I rented it? No. Did I watch it the second day I rented it? Yes; however, I probably would have put off watching it even longer if it wouldn't have been due that day at 3 P.M. When I got up that morning, I reluctantly put the movie in and sat down to watch it, almost wishing I hadn't rented it. I thought the movie was going to drag on, because the opening of it seemed as though it may be a little "corny" or "flakey." Against my will, I sat there for a few more minutes.
If I would have given up at the beginning, I would never have watched the entire thing. I had thought that within the first thirty-seconds (honestly) that it would be a stupid movie, but against my thoughts, I actually enjoyed the movie and watched the movie yet another time before I returned it to the store that day. That night, I went to the closest store that sold movies and picked myself up a copy.
Don't assume that since some of the actors/actresses in the movie aren't exactly "big," or because a member of *NSync is in it that it is going to be a horrid movie, because you may be surprised at what you get from "My BIG FAT GREEK Wedding!"
Movie Review: My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
Summary: 5 Stars
At age 65 I believe most movies follow a story line that starts out with the hero and heroine barely meeting, not connecting (suspenseful), irritating each other and at whatever pace proceeds to the climax wherein they come together for a successful, happy conclusion. This movie starts, proceeds and flows in a happy, positive way. There is no he/she can't decide, is disenchanted by what they find, etc., instead it proceeds happily and logically to a wonderfully wholesome conclusion with all being involved and (ultimately) cheering the couple on. The father's reticence for a non-Greek is so short lived and played down (though useful for plot) that it hardly does more than portray the father as a lovable, caring overlord. This movie should be and have a "cult" following. Rocky Horror picture show was OK for it's genre, but this movie is within the annals of the likes of "It's a Wonderful Life." Even "It's a Wonderful Life" had to go through the period of sadly saying what life would have been like without George. You see none of this type of regressive retrospect in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." It's JOY from beginning to end. Hooray for Nia Verdales, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks. I'm your lifelong fan forever. Plaudits and pandering aside this is good for the whole family. The industry should take notice of what constitutes wholesome, fun entertainment. Three cheers, FIVE stars AND THANK YOU! I saw this movie seven (7) times. While it ran every time I needed to feel good I went back. AND I told everybody how I thought it should be a "cult" movie.