My Big Fat Greek Wedding [25]

This movie has been a huge hit, and I can see why. It is a love story and a great look into one of the ethnic subcultures in North America. The origin for the story is actually the Greek community in Winnipeg, Canada. It was easily transplanted to Chicago, a city of many old-world neighborhoods.

Nia Vardalos acted in an autobiographical one-woman play called ?My Big Fat Greek Wedding?. It was turned into a movie after Rita Wilson saw the play and recommended it to her husband Tom Hanks. Nia?s real life husband, Ian Gomez must have lived this reality by being introduced to Nia?s family and then being married in a Greek Orthodox Church in Winnipeg. I have always like Ian as Larry Almada in the Drew Carey show. Nia?s characters?s name is Toula Portokalos, with her last name translating to ?orange? in a setup for a heartwarming payoff in the wedding reception.

John Corbett plays Ian Miller, Toula?s husband to-be. John is best known for his regular role as Chris, a philosophizing disc jockey, on the popular television series ?Northern Exposure?. Ian Gomez plays Mike, Ian Miller?s best friend. It was probably Mr. Gomez? easiest role of all time. Who would not wish to play their own best friend as you relive one of your most trying life experiences?

Michael Constantine (Mr. Kaufman from Room 222) does a great job as Gus, Nia?s father. Gus is a first generation immigrant who has done well and is VERY proud of his Greek heritage. His house looks like a suburban Parthenon. And there is a giant Greek flag on the garage door. He spends some time explaining the origin of any English word to its Greek roots. He is at his best while ranting about the "xenos (ξένος = outsider) with long hair". His performance was great. And I am sure that it is no coincidence that co-workers and friends now recommend Windex(TM) brand window cleaner for all types of disinfecting chores.

Ms. Vardalos could easily be a sister of Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi from Star Trek: The Next Generation.) Nia is only two inches taller than Marina according to her bio. As Toula spruces up her mousy look, her hair style takes on the same look as Counselor Troi?s. Nia has a very attractive face. Her eyes do not seem to be entirely in sync, which lends an otherworldly quality to Toula.

One thing I do not get. The graphic designer for the movie decided to use the Greek letter Σ (Sigma) as a letter ?E?. When in fact the Greek E (Epsilon) looks just like its Latin counterpart. So the title reads: MY BIG FAT GRSSK WEDDING, the way I look at it.

This is a great date movie. {BB}

Added: February 6th 2005
Reviewer: BB
29 Point Scale Score:    [25]

Related Link (IMDB): IMDB
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Language: english