In the wake of the Blair Witch Project’s success a few years back, the biggest surprise movie hit of the past year was a low budget film - believe it or not. The romantic comedy, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is actually still playing in movie theaters and has even helped spawn a new TV sitcom. So, what is all the fuss about?
The story centers around Toula, a homely looking waitress who sullenly walks the floors of her family owned Greek restaurant in Chicago. Toula is played by Nia Vardalos and evokes a character waiting to burst from within and reveal her true self. Toula is born into an obsessively tight knit Greek family whose whole entire well being revolves around Greek traditions, Greek living, Greek food and everything else Greek. Toula finds herself age 30 and "over the hill" in the eyes of her rather large and opinionated family who expect her to be married, barefoot and pregnant with her fifth child by now. After a revamp to her looks by acquiring contact lenses, a new hair-do along with a fresh splash of confidence, she falls love with Ian, a white high school teacher played by John Corbett, who literally takes her breathe away. Of course, Ian is not Greek. From here, we get through the motions of Ian, who comes from a very WASPy background being introduced to Toula’s rather intensely proud Greek family. They of course would rather see their daughter marry an utter fool, as long as he’s within the same tribe. The movie flows into all of the typical "meet the parents" clashing of family values one would expect from a romantic comedy. Of course this takes it a step further and promotes love on a more religious level if you are a member of the Greek Orthodox Church and all the various responsibilities marriage carries. As Ian told Toula, "I’m in love with you because you make me feel alive," there is no stopping the wedding.
There are plenty of wisecracks and stereotypical portrayals that bring a non- Hollywood fluff feel to the film. Nia and Ian look rather ordinary and un- glamorous providing the film a sense of validity, as it goes to show not every couple in a Hollywood movie resembles Jennifer Anniston and Brad Pitt. The un-plastic approach to the film, is what has helped transform this low key film to sudden success and the writing is straight from the family dining room.
Throughout the film, I found it almost too centered on the Greek customs, traditions and humor; at times this just ran plain dry. Although quirky and funny at times, the film humor can be often overlooked by innocent bystanders not up to date on what it means to be Greek. Unless you are a die-hard romantic comedy fan, this one won’t replace your curl up on the couch fondness of "Sleepless in Seattle" or "When Harry Met Sally." Either way, it’s a real look at family traditions and finding love where you least expect it; therefore rent it, don’t buy it.
