Movie Number 33 of 2023
The Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
The Cinema: Hoyts Victoria Gardens
Stars: 3.5
File this one under "Better than I thought it would be." It's still not a great movie, but it has its moments and a larger emotional punch than a movie of this calibre should have. I went along to this with a packet of cinnamon donut twisties (who knew?) and very low expectations - and came out the better for it. And yes, it's a silly film, and yes, it trades on a lot of stereotypes, but it is mildly entertaining and good Friday night fodder. Even better if you had anything to do with Greek families.
So, what's it about? The Portokalos family are back, as you would predict. Toula (Nia Vardarlos) is finally going to Greece, having never been there. Her father Gus has passed away and her mother's health is failing. Michael Constantine, who played Gus, died in 2021, so there is some palpable sadness about this. Toula and her husband Ian (John Corbett) have been tasked to find Gus's old friends from his childhood in Greece and bring them his journal.
Of course, the family come along with them, and the cast of characters including Andrea Martin's Aunt Voula come along for the ride. And yes, there is a wedding.
My biggest issues with this film is the overacting and reliance on labouring jokes, which, like in the other films, are in abundance. What I wasn't expecting was the emotional kick this film has, as it looks at the themes of aging parents, the sacrifices they made and how families, with all their foibles, can get along.
Greece looks as amazing as it always has. The village, which was filmed in the hills of Crete, is gorgeous. Having lived in Greece for a few months, they have the vibe just right here - and it had me hankering for their tomatoes, which are sweeter than apples, even if they are ugly. Some things didn't ring true - like when they were driving out of Athens Airport and through the city. Heaven knows how they cleared all the traffic for that.
On the good side of things, this is much better than its predecessor, My Big Fat Greek Wedding II.
As something light and fluffy to see on a Friday night, this was a good choice. Seeing it was like attending a family reunion with your annoying relatives, but with better food. If you've got links to Greece or have Greek family, you'll get it even more.
This is for the fans of the other two movies. And if you do go, be prepared to have it tug on your heartstrings. For those of us with aging parents and interesting family dynamics, you'll get it and be thankful for it.
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