My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3: A Fading Reunion
Baklava and Beyond
Sometimes, the sweetest treats are best enjoyed in moderation. This applies not only to indulgent desserts like Baklava but also to movie franchises, as evidenced by the fading charm of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
A Struggling Return
After a lackluster 2016 sequel, the multi-talented Nia Vardalos, writer, director, and star of the franchise, brings her bustling onscreen family back together for My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3. However, this outing falls short of recapturing the magic of the 2002 original hit. It’s indeed a disappointment.
A Thin Plotline
Ironically, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 boasts an incredibly thin plot. Following the recent passing of the family patriarch, Gus Portokalos (Michael Constantine, RIP), his daughter Toula (played by Vardalos) travels to Greece to hand over his journal to childhood friends. Despite being fluent in Greek, we’re asked to believe she has never visited Greece before. Along for the journey are her husband, Ian (John Corbett), teenage daughter Paris (Elena Kampouris), zany Aunt Voula (the standout Andrea Martin), and her brother Nick (Louis Mandylor). Some jokes revolve around Nick’s bizarre habit of trimming his toenails at the dinner table, while others tease Toula’s mother’s (Lainie Kazan) memory lapses.
Sitcom-like Adventures
Upon reaching their destination, the family encounters sitcom-like problems and hijinks. Gus’ friends have scattered, and long-lost relatives make surprise appearances, with others, like Joey Fatone, showing up late. A farm animal wanders into their living quarters, Voula gets tipsy, and a Greek-Syrian wedding unfolds. Despite minimal comedic tension, the family happily returns to Chicago in less than 90 minutes.
Unfulfilled Potential
As the Mamma Mia! movie musicals have demonstrated, the enchanting Greek setting can yield splendid material. Vardalos herself explored this in her 2009 comedy My Life in Ruins. However, as a writer and director, she falls short of delivering the escapist fantasy. Instead of relying on contrived subplots—such as Paris failing her way out of New York University—she should have let the cast shine and play to their strengths.
Untapped Talent
The cast certainly possesses the talent to deliver. Martin is a seasoned improv singer and actress, while Corbett still oozes charm. Curiously, Corbett and Vardalos share few romantic moments. It might have been amusing to see Joey Fatone pay a cheeky homage with a rendition of “Dancing Queen.” That would have added some humor, at least more than watching Cousin Angelo and Cousin Nikki (Gia Carides) race to recline their airplane seats.
A Fading Glory
It’s worth noting that the original My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a massive success, blending humor and relatability seamlessly. Nia Vardalos brought wit and warmth to her character, Toula, who struggled to find independence within a tight-knit family. She was an inspiration and a hilarious one at that. However, in this latest installment, that empathetic wit has faded.
Conclusion
In 21 years, we’ve transitioned from “Opa!” to “nope-a.” My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 hits theaters on Friday, September 8, but perhaps it’s best to revisit the original for a dose of enduring charm.