Let's take a trip back to 2002 to a hot summer in mid-July. I remember hearing about this movie from friends and media but never went to the theater to see it. Then one Friday afternoon I went to Blockbuster, yes a movie rental store for those of you wondering, and saw this movie on the shelf under new releases. I thought why not. I remember liking it when I got it home to watch. Soon after that I made a major move to a city far away from all friends and family and found myself a little homesick. To my delight, one afternoon I received a small package from home that included a few movies, one of them being My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Ah, the comfort of seeing something that was familiar. Not too long ago I was at my gym and this movie was playing in the background. I was pleasantly surprised at the moments I found funny this time, maybe because I am older, but I have found a new love once again.
The movie begins with Toula Portokalos played by Nia Vardalos, sitting in a car with her father as they are on their way to work at the diner that the family owns called Dancing Zorba's. Toula is a 30 year old Greek woman who is not married and not having babies, much to her family's dismay. She is self described as going through a “phase”, dresses frumpy, no make-up, and at times looks as though she has given up on the world. Her father Gus Portokalos, Michael Constantine, is what I can only think a traditional Greek father would be - very protective, at times a little overbearing, and believing that Windex can cure just about everything. Toula's mother, Maria Potokalos, Lainie Kazan ( Beaches) is also a typical Greek mother - always making sure everyone is taken care of, cleaning everything in sight, and always has the answer to everything. They are a close tight family with an uncle and aunt that are hilarious as well as 27 first cousins. Toula wants more out of life: she does not want to get married and be the normal one in her family. She has the desire to learn, to be independent, to explore the world, and find love with someone. After convincing her father that it would be a good idea for her to go to school to learn computers so that she can help the business, she takes a job at her aunt's travel agency.
While there she meets Ian Miller, John Corbett ( Sex and the City , Raising Helen) a vegetarian, high school teacher. He is an only child and comes from a rather small and simple family. He is nothing like Toula and she likes that. She likes the time to be still with him. They soon fall in love and get engaged. This is not happy news to Toula's family be any means; her father feels completely disrespected, believing that Ian should have come to him to even ask to date his daughter. What ensues next is a hilarious chain of events of Ian attempting to earn the respect and the tolerance of Toula's father and family. Because Toula is Greek, in order to marry her and the marriage be recognized by the church and her family, Ian must convert to Greek Orthodox. Ian is willing because of his love for Toula. Toula asks him “Why, why do you love me?” His response, “ Because, I came alive when I met you.” If you don't love John Corbett, watch this film and you will.
Many quotes and one liners have come from this film, “Yes, inside the lump was my twin.”; “ There are two kinds of people, Greek and everyone else.”; “ It's done, they fell in love.” This is story about finding yourself, being yourself, and not being afraid to take the adventure. It's about family and the love that you have for them, even if they are crazy. You know that they will always be there, and that is all one needs at the end of the day. It's a funny film with heart, soul, and hope. Maria says a beautiful line in the movie that is one of my favorites, “I gave you life so that you could go live it.” Isn't that beautiful? The best part is that this is a true story. It tells how Nia meet her husband with a little creative liberty. So go watch it this weekend. I dare you not to fall in love with the story. It will make you love your family a little bit more. “Love is here to stay, and so is her family.”
Rated: PG
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