As the name suggests, this is a film about a Greek wedding. However, I think what made it so popular is its universal appeal. The story could apply to any ethnic group. When I first saw the film back in 2002, I found it easily relatable. Written by and starring Nia Vardalos, based on her successful one-woman show, the movie centers on Toula Portokalos. A thirty-year-old single woman, she still lives at home with her parents and works in the family-owned restaurant, Dancing Zorba’s. Her parents are deeply concerned; as a Greek American with deep roots to their ancient legacy, they believe she should be married and providing them with lots of grandchildren.
Toula’s family is is so Greek they’ve decorated their house inside and out with Greek statues and columns; their garage door is painted to look like the Greek flag; they roast lambs on a spit in their front yard; and the fly the Greek and American flags in their front yard. Toula’s father Gus (Michael Constantine) lives by two rules: That Greeks should educate non-Greeks about all things Greek and that any ailment from rashes to psoriasis can be taken care of with a bit of Windex. Toula is a very bright girl and finds herself wanting more out of life.
Toula would love to go to college; something her father finds absurd. She’d also like to travel, but not necessarily just to Greece. And while she’d like to marry, she’s not convinced the man must be Greek. With some goading from her mother Maria (Lainie Kazan), Gus is convinced to pay for Toula’s college education. Toula’s outlook on life quickly improves. She gives herself a makeover and starts to work in her aunt’s travel agency. Then she meets Ian (John Corbett)
The two had met once before, when Ian came in to “Dancing Zorba’s.” Toula was immediately taken with Ian’s good looks. She didn’t know it at the time, but the feeling was mutual. It takes some time, but the two eventually meet again. They begin dating and are soon talking marriage. When the happy couple finally do decide to get engaged, things get tricky. Toula’s father, who was unhappy to learn that she was dating a non-Greek, nearly has an apoplexy when his daughter breaks the news to him. For him, Toula’s decision to marry a non-Greek is a personal attack on the heritage he holds so dear.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a romantic comedy with an emphasis on the comedy. As a result, lots of funny (with an occasional tinge of sadness happens) before the expected fairytale ending can occur. One of the primary reasons this film works so well is the well thought out character development and the work of the actors. Nia Vardalos cleans up nicely. At the start, Toula is genuinely uncomely. While her makeover does make her look much prettier, it’s not so stunning to be unbelievable. John Corbett plays Ian with the laid back charm that made his character on Sex and the City so memorable. Michael Constantine and Lainie Kazan have no difficulty as the grudging father and supportive mother. It may not be the perfect film, but My Big Fat Greek Wedding provides plenty of laughs, romance and ethnic flavor.
Presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, HBO’s 1080p transfer looks much better than previous DVD releases. Colors are fairly vibrant, with reds and yellows looking particularly striking. Black levels are deep and consistent, adding to the fine contrast. Fine detail isn’t as good as you’ll see in the newer titles on the market, but it’s certainly commendable. There is a fine layer of grain throughout that gives the proceedings a nice filmic quality.
Presented in a DTS-HD MA lossless 5.1 mix, the audio provides a nice amount of depth. Eminating largely from the center channel, dialogue is crisp and clear throughout. The rears don’t come into play much, with the exception of a few ambient effects sprinkled throughout the film.
Aside from a DVD copy of the film, the following special features are included:
- Audio Commentary: Writer and star Nia Verdalos is joined by director Joel Zwick and co-star John Corbett for this amusing 2002 commentary track. The conversation largely concerns Verdalos, discussing the story, its origins and relating several scenes with personal real-life events.
- A Look Back (HD, 29 min) Nia Verdalos and John Corbett reunite to reminisce about the production and talk about the movie’s reception and success.
- Deleted Scenes (SD, 5 min) Five scenes that were left on the cutting room floor.
