Review of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) by Noah Abraham G — 27 Jun 2013

As a child raised on the genre, I've often been forgiving of the cliches and pitfalls of the romantic comedy. Any film that treads tired ground can still be good, provided that it be executed well. Still, it's nice to see a romantic comedy that tries something new, which is what makes "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" so refreshing.

Nia Vardalos wrote and starred in this film, basing it on her one-woman show, which in turn was based on her own experiences. That sort of real-life experience really shows in this film.

Often in romantic comedies, the side characters are more likable than the leads, as they're given more personality. It's no different here, but instead of being fellow strong independent women or sassy gay friends, the side characters take the form of the Portakalos family, a large cabal of Greek-Americans who run a few family businesses and wish for their children to marry more Greeks to continue the proud tradition.

Toula (Vardalos) has other plans for her life, as explained through some solid narration. Her father, Gus (played brilliantly by Michael Constantine) wants to keep her at the family restaurant, where she meets Ian Miller (John Corbett) and proceeds to embarrass herself.

After this event, Toula reinvents herself, attending night school thanks to the help of her aunt and mother (Andrea Martin and Lainie Kazan) and getting a job at the family travel agency. This is when she reconnects with Ian and starts a relationship in secret.

It should be no surprise that the secret gets out (otherwise there wouldn't be a wedding), and it's a tribute to the movie's success that the characters don't all react the same way. Many family members are more or less welcoming to Ian, especially Toula's brother, Nick (Louis Mandylor) and cousin Angelo (Joey Fatone), who seem to like him, but enjoy giving him hell. Gus is less accepting, but it's nice that he tries.

Vardalos's script often riffs on the Greek-American culture she grew up with, and it's possible that the borderline stereotyping might dissuade some from seeing or enjoying the film. It should be noted that it's all done affectionately, and it never feels spiteful or offensive.

This film really is a feel-good movie, with most of the conflicts being nicely resolved before the big day, which allows for some nice emotional bits. The film thankfully eschews some of the worst romantic comedy cliches, allowing the entire thing to move at a brisk pace.

That all said, at times the film does feel very "small", almost as if it were more suited for television than the big screen. But then again, what romantic comedy isn't?

Everything else aside, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" works because its central romance is solid. We root for Toula and Ian, and they're likable enough characters with some depth. At times, Ian seems a little too perfect, but never in a way that seems outrageously implausible. Men like him are unlikely, but not unheard of.

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is a simple movie that is nonetheless fun and fresh, and is without a doubt one of the best romantic comedies ever made.