My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Rating:
Summary: Cute Movie--and that's it-What is the Fuss About?
Review: Based on the boffo box office of this sleeper hit, I was expecting a laugh riot. Boy was I in for a surprise. Based on a VERY slight premise, Nia Vardalos coverts her one woman show into a half hour sitcom stretched out over an uncomfortable hour and a half. The few negative comments this film has garnered revolve on the "sterotypical" portrayal of a greek family. Actually, the family members here (assumed to be based on Vardolos' own family) are portrayed as rather lovably eccentric and extremely engaging. Vardalos' real target of malice is the WASP-y family of her fiancee. They are treated extremely offensively by the writer-actress, and portrayed as wooden, emotionally empty automatons. Why haven't the critics picked up on that?

Even these offense stereotypes might have been more forgivable if there were more laughs, which were few and far between. Nia's idea of humor is a father who thinks Windex is a cureall for everything. Isn't Windex poisonous?

Rating:
Summary: BIG FAT (GEEK) WEDDING!
Review: After hearing people tell me how funny this movie
was, I thought I'd really enjoy it. GOD, WAS I WRONG!
This was one of the cheesiest, dumbest movies ever
made. If I heard one more Windex remark, I'd BARF!
I did not find one part of this movie funny at all!
THIS MOVIE BLOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Romantic
Review: This was a real romantic treat. I was pleasantly surprised that this commercial blockbuster could be so warm and sincere in its portrayal of a plain girl who falls in love with a hunk. Snuggle up with your loved one and enjoy! Between laughing and sighing, you'll have yourself a great time.

Rating:
Summary: so cute!
Review: This film is so much fun. I think just about everyone can find something to love about it. This is the story of 30-year old Toula (Nia Vardalos), a geeky, frumpy, unconfident first generation Greek-American, who works in her father's restaurant, Dancing Zorba's, as a seating hostess. Poor Toula, 30 years old, unmarried, and, as her father (Michael Constantine), has been saying since she was twelve, "You better get married....you are starting to get old." Will her fate EVER change? It's one day that could only be arranged in the stars, that her dream man, Ian Miller (John Corbett), walks into her father's restaurant with a colleague, and into her life. It is at that moment that Toula knows she needs to change her whole life's path if things are ever going to change for the better. Contacts for coke bottle glasses, a college degree in exchange for a menu, and a cushy job at a travel agency to replace her hostess job. Will her path and Ian's cross again? haha...what do YOU think?

This is a film you don't have to think too hard about. It is a wholesome, warm and life affirming romantic comedy that takes you for a spicy, savory ride intermixed with souvlaki, uzo (Greek wine---great scene involving that, by the way), spanokopita and lamb, of course! The whole family can enjoy this.

Rating:
Summary: Long On Charm
Review: My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a light hearted movie that touches on good family values. Toula, a low key conservative woman works in her family's Greek restaurant but yearns to find some happiness on her own. She takes computer classes which gives her an opportunity to do more meaningful work as a travel agent within her aunt's company.

At this point, Toula allows herself to be romanced by Ian, a free spirited teacher. The fireworks really begin to fly when Toula's family find out about this secret romance. The outlandish characters in the film particularly Toula's borther and father are quite amusing. Its charming to listen to the father's ravings. However in the end good family's stick together and true love conquers all. Ian happilly adapts to his wife's family and Gus(father of the bride) gives into his daughter's wishes. After all, apples and oranges are both fruits, right?

Some audiences may be put off by the excessive stereotypical greek behavior. However, I say what is wrong with celebrating the pride in one's enthnicity? Two thumbs up from me on this delightful romantic comedy.

Rating:
Summary: Funniest Movie I've Ever Seen
Review: This movie is one of the funniest I've ever seen. Even though the characters are somewhat stereotypical, the truth behind these characters is applicable across ethnic lines. This same movie could be set in a Jewish or Italian community with very little change in the script. The actors make the characters believable, and overall, it's just a really nice story of an ugly duckling turned into a swan. It is definitely a chick flick, but one that men can enjoy as well (and my husband did, wholeheartedly).

Rating:
Summary: I do, I do!
Review: I do love this movie. The first time I saw it, I had mixed feelings. Then I saw it again...and again. Now, I love it. Nia Vardalos (Toulah) is beautiful and shines in this romantic comedy. John Corbett (Ian) is so sweet; makes me wish all men were like that. Why did this movie do so well? Because there is something of everyone in it. We can all relate on some level. This is one of the ultimate 'chick flicks,' but men can get laughs out of it as well. See the movie, laugh. See it again, laugh. And add it to your collection. Dreams do come true, at least in this story. It's wonderful.