My Big Fat Greek Film Review
Written by: Josh Paulson
It can be tough to look for a suitable romantic movie nowadays between the troublesome, outdated, and sometimes offensive “classics,” not to mention the abundance of bland streaming service original films. Thankfully, there is at least one film that still holds merit in its themes as well as cinematic quality.
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is a quirky, wholesome, romantic comedy released in 2002, with emphasis on the quirk. The film was based off of a one-woman play written by screenwriter and actress Nia Vardalos. Actor Tom Hanks and actress Rita Wilson loved the show so much that they suggested translating it to the silver screen and even played a part in producing the film.
The movie starts with 30-year-old Toula (Vardalos) working for her parents’ business, a Greek diner in Chicago called Dancing Zorba’s, until she meets Ian Miller (John Corbett), a non-Greek man whom she falls in love with instantly. This complicates the Portokalos’ family dynamic because it is expected for Toula to marry within her culture, and not with a “xeno” as her father refers to Ian.
Without spoiling the rest of the film, chaos and heartwarming hilarity ensues, most often in situations of cultural faux pas.
The panning shots over the Greek-American architecture of Chicago displayed an authentic cultural groundwork that contributed to the ambience of the film. The wide angle shots truly captured the size and revelry of the Portokalos family.
A solid cast reinforced Vardalos with phenomenal support, sometimes even drawing attention away from the lead roles. Having a father (Michael Constantine) who swears Windex is a cure-all is sure to be splitting sides.
Joey Fatone of pop group NSYNC unexpectedly makes an appearance as Angelo, one of Toula’s cousins.
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” touches on beautiful themes about family, love, tradition, gender roles, and self-confidence while packaged with good, tasteful humor and surprisingly sound cinematography.
Anyone looking for a wholesome romcom that has you laughing from beginning to end, look no further. This film can be found on HBO Max, Hulu, and in your parents’ box of DVDs in the basement.
7/10 stars
Josh Paulson
Reporter/Amateur Film Critic