A Quick Tip by Earthling

It's not surprising thatMy Big Fat Greek Weddinggrew more popular over the course of its theatrical release (whereas most blockbusters open big and then drop precipitously)--not only does it have believable situations and engaging characters, but these characters (particularly our romantic heroine, Toula, played by writer and performer Nia Vardalos) look like actual human beings instead of plastic movie stars. The result is the very accessible tale of Greek-American Toula (whose family sees her as over the hill at 30), who falls for a WASPy guy named Ian (John Corbett) and then has to endure the outrage, doubt, and ultimate acceptance of her deeply ethnically centered family. The actors invest their wildly stereotypical portrayals with sincerity and compassion, giving the movie an honest warmth instead of Hollywood schmaltz. ButMy Big Fat Greek Weddingultimately succeeds because of Vardalos; her intelligent, down-to-earth presence and charm carry the film.--Bret Fetzer

Cast: Lainie Kazan, Nia Vardalos, Michael Constantine, John Kalangis, Christina Eleusiniotis, Kaylee Vieira, Marita Zouravlioff, Sarah Osman, Petra Wildgoose, Melissa Todd

Director: Joel Zwick

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Release Date: 2 August 2002 (USA)

MPAA Rating: PG

Screen Writer: Nia Vardalos

DVD Release Date: February 11, 2003

Runtime: 95 min