This film will probably be a hit with any
ethnic family, as I assume they can all identify with it, not just those of
Greek origin. There are the
expected generational and nuclear family conflicts and arguments presented with
flair—and many audience members will get a big kick out of them—but there is
not much here that is fresh and original or especially insightful. Movies showing the soul, drama, and
comedy that seems to be inherent in many ethnic families, as least the
stereotypic ones, have abounded—one I can think of is Moonstruck with an Italian family.
Nia Vardalos, the writer for the first Greek Wedding (2002) and this one and
lead actress in both, is talented, but this 2016 version is so similar to the
2002 version, I question why the second one needed to be made. There is no particular flair or
creative treatment of the material that makes it stand out.
In this update, Toula (Vardalos) has become the
go-to person in the family to intervene in any situation. She seems to take after her Aunt Voula
(Martin), who is also called upon, and between the two of them all problems get
solved. Two current predicaments
include where Toula’s daughter is going to college (the family is unanimously
for local Northwestern) and the other occurs when it’s discovered that the
marriage of Toula’s parents isn’t legal because the priest neglected to sign
the certificate. Toula’s mother
(Kazan) has some conditions her father (Constantine) has to agree to even
before any wedding plans can begin.
Director Kirk Jones, the cast, and the crew all
do a fine job, and it’s likely audiences will enjoy seeing it. I think the script just needed
something more to take it to the next level.
An updated version of My Big Fat Greek
Wedding (2002)
Grade: C By Donna
R. Copeland
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