OK, I have a confession to make – I haven’t seen the previous two films leading up to MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3, so please bear with me if I miss a thing or two. However, I am sure that the fanbase of this film will certainly be happy to take me out on a date or two and elaborate.
If you haven’t seen the others like me, don’t worry, have a look at an official recap here, courtesy of writer, director and star Nia Vardalos who has held the series together since its’ inception 21 years ago….
Co-produced by Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, who certainly are taking advantage of their acquired Greek citizenship, MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 could also be re-titled MY BIG FAT GREEK REUNION as the bulk of this new story is about the Portokalos family, led by Toula (Vardalos) whose goal is to return her late father’s journal to those local friends who were part of his circle back in Athens and his childhood home and village. Her relationship with hubby Ian (John Corbett) seems to be stable enough.
Things don’t look too great at the outset with the plans for the mega-reunion of the extended Portakalos family and friends both back in Chicago and in Greece all seemingly separated by misunderstanding and reluctance. Couple that with the daughter, Paris (Elena Kampouris) having to deal with complexities from her on-off relationship with young looker Aristotle (Elias Kavacas), as well as college issues and it’s clear that all is not straightforward on this mega-vacation….
Adequate and enjoyable third film in the series which probably was heightened in my case by not having seen the previous two (the first was a sleeper hit back on its’ original release and garnered positive reviews all round). As with MAMMA MIA – HERE WE GO AGAIN, it is the locations and the spirit of the piece that will carry you through to the end. Vardalos is endearing in a part she has grown into for the last two decades, backed up by a celebration of Greek culture – and some loving close-ups of local cuisine which will make you want to get on the nearest EasyJet.
This is a movie designed for the fan-base and is ultimately critic-proof, so sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery.
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 is in UK cinemas from September 8th, 2023.
