By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
When "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" debuted in 2002, it became a surprise, box office hit. Hollywood looked to strike again with the 2016 sequel "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2," but couldn't quite duplicate the original film's success.
Now, it's hoping audiences will go another round with the release of
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" from director/screenwriter
Nia Vardalos ("The Curse of Bridge Hollow") who also stars in the film.
There really aren't many big surprises in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3." As for the laughs, well, they are sporadic.
With the exception of Michael Constantine--who starred as the patriarch (Gus) in the previous movies and who died in 2021--the rest of the gang is all here.
The movie centers around the charming and dysfunctional Portokalos family coming to grips with losing their father and struggling with the deteriorating health of their mother, Maria (Lainie Kazan, Upcoming, "Back of Book").
Toula (Vardalos), her husband Ian (John Corbett, TV's "How I Met Your Mother"), daughter Paris (Elena Kampouris, "Wifelike"), brother Nick (Louis Mandylor, "The Flood"), Aunt Voula (a funny Andrea Martin, TV's "Only Murders in the Building"), cousins, Nikki (Gia Carides, TV's "The Elevator") and Angelo (Joey Fatone, "Cursed Friends") and a bunch of other relatives are looking to bring some closure to their lives.
So, they go to Greece for a reunion in the small town (Vrisi) where their dad lived. The plan is to meet with some of Gus' old friends and swap stories from his journal and the like.
When they arrive, the crew discovers much more about their father and secrets are revealed that change the entire family dynamic. There is also a “handsome” man (Alexis Georgoulis, TV's "The Durrells") seemingly scoping out Toula.
The cast of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" is certainly likeable and tries mightily to bring some spark to the film. Yet, they don't always hit the mark.
However, the big scene-stealer here is Greece. The panoramic shots of its inviting villages, stunning beaches, and mouthwatering food are enough reason to attend this "Wedding.”
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
