This is the best, most enjoyable movie I have seen in a long time. I always hear, "They don't make movies like that anymore," but My Big Fat Greek Wedding proves YES THEY DO! I don't know where to start. The script, the story, and the acting are superb. This movie was a "sleeper" that was not launched with a big publicity blitz like "Pearl Harbor." But word of mouth got around and the movie is still in theaters, in fact has opened at additional theaters, and I hear that it has been up as high as #2 on a few recent weekends, making over $100 million on a $5 million budget.
You've probably heard the story. Toula, a 30 year old unmarried daughter of a Greek restaurant family lives a dull life until she decides to break out of her rut in the restaurant. She takes college courses, and convinces her aunt to let her work in her family travel agency. She meets Ian, a handsome, interesting teacher who is everything she could want in a boyfriend except...he's NOT Greek! When her parents discover she's dating an "outsider" they invite a string of un-interesting bachelors to dinner because they are Greek. Love conquers all, and Ian gladly makes many accommodations including converting to the Greek Orthodox Church. Finally the ethnic, but loving family welcomes him with open arms. I loved the scenes where he meets the many colorful characters in the extended family. Being an only child with only one first cousin, he suddenly has brothers and 27 cousins, aunts, uncles, and his mother and father in law.
This movie celebrates America at its finest. We are a nation of immigrants, and we come from many different ethnic traditions. We can continue to celebrate our heritage yet still live the American dream. Gus, Toula's father who has succeeded in America with his wonderful restaurant, appreciates this country, and when he finally accepts Ian to be his son-in-law, it is truly touching.
I think this proves that a movie can succeed on the strength of the story and the characters. There are no car chases, no special effects, no filthy language, no graphic sex, no dominating big-name star, and no violence.
Kudos to Nia Vardalos, both author and leading lady of this gem. I definitely recommend that you see this movie while it is still in theaters. But as soon as it comes out on video, we intend to see it again. Definitely a 10!!! Hopa! Hopa! Hopa!
You've probably heard the story. Toula, a 30 year old unmarried daughter of a Greek restaurant family lives a dull life until she decides to break out of her rut in the restaurant. She takes college courses, and convinces her aunt to let her work in her family travel agency. She meets Ian, a handsome, interesting teacher who is everything she could want in a boyfriend except...he's NOT Greek! When her parents discover she's dating an "outsider" they invite a string of un-interesting bachelors to dinner because they are Greek. Love conquers all, and Ian gladly makes many accommodations including converting to the Greek Orthodox Church. Finally the ethnic, but loving family welcomes him with open arms. I loved the scenes where he meets the many colorful characters in the extended family. Being an only child with only one first cousin, he suddenly has brothers and 27 cousins, aunts, uncles, and his mother and father in law.
This movie celebrates America at its finest. We are a nation of immigrants, and we come from many different ethnic traditions. We can continue to celebrate our heritage yet still live the American dream. Gus, Toula's father who has succeeded in America with his wonderful restaurant, appreciates this country, and when he finally accepts Ian to be his son-in-law, it is truly touching.
I think this proves that a movie can succeed on the strength of the story and the characters. There are no car chases, no special effects, no filthy language, no graphic sex, no dominating big-name star, and no violence.
Kudos to Nia Vardalos, both author and leading lady of this gem. I definitely recommend that you see this movie while it is still in theaters. But as soon as it comes out on video, we intend to see it again. Definitely a 10!!! Hopa! Hopa! Hopa!