In keeping with the original (2002) and the sequel (2016), My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is very much in feel-good territory.
The extended Portokalos family is in fine voice. Everyone is wanting to have their say on a trip to Greece to attend a reunion for the extended family in their father’s home village. Before he passed away, Toula’s (Nia Vardalos) dad, Gus, asked her to be at the gathering. He wanted her to meet three of his old friends and pass onto them a journal he kept of his life’s story. In turn, the Portokalos family would like to see where Gus grew up and honour his memory.
The invitation originated from the extremely passionate town mayor, Victory (Melina Kotselou), who is there to greet the clan at Athens airport. Thereafter, they are immediately bundled into a rickety old truck, with Toula driving. When they arrive at the village, immediately noticeable is an absence of people. Wandering around in circles, a lady with an all but permanent scowl frightens them and she constantly pops up thereafter. Toula and her husband Ian’s (John Corbett) daughter Paris (Elena Kampouris) finds herself warming to a nice guy she ghosted, Aristotle (Elias Kacavas).
It is only late in the movie we find out why she pushed him away. She is holding a secret. Talking of reveals, Toula and her brother Nick (Louis Mandylor) are in for a shock as they return to their family roots. I should mention that much is made of Nick’s grooming habits, which are decidedly off-putting.
Shot primarily in Athens and on the island of Corfu, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 will, no doubt, find an enthusiastic audience. As previously, writer and director Nia Vardalos again pushes cultural tropes with warmth and good humour. Many of the jokes may be cheesy, but the culturally specific audience I saw the film with lapped it all up. It is also a very good-looking film, with the scenery and lush cinematography no doubt delighting the Greek National Tourism Organization.
The larger-than-life characters continue to give the franchise buoyancy. They’re painted as respectful but opinionated. Foremost amongst them is the scene-stealing Andrea Martin as Aunt Voula. Her self-confident performance is a treat. Her comic turn is matched by Melina Kotselou, who brings a unique sensibility to her “hands on” role as mayor.
Overall, while My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 has a manufactured, sit-com feel to it (some may cringe), it maintains the flow that has made the series a fan favourite.
Alex First
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Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
