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Take one part Cinderella, mix in a bit of Romeo and Juliet, add a large helping of Zorba, and what do you get? MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING – the most unusual romantic comedy so far this year. Highlighting warm characters, witty dialogue, family values, and the importance of cultural heritage, it's a film of pure delight from beginning to end.

Based on a one-woman play by Nia Vardalos, this movie feels completely authentic, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s filled with incidents from the author’s real life. Vardalos also stars as Toula Portokalos, a plain waitress in her family’s Greek restaurant. After spotting handsome teacher Ian Miller (John Corbett) at one of the tables, Toula starts paying attention to her appearance and her future goals. The latter isn’t easy, since all her father (Michael Constantine) and mother (Laine Kazan) want her to do is marry a nice Greek man and have his babies.

When Ian and Toula meet again, they can’t deny their attraction for each other in spite of deep cultural differences. Their decision to marry results in painful interactions with both families. Painful for them, that is, but hilarious for viewers. Ian’s parents are uptight WASP types, while Toula’s large family revels in loud verbal exchanges and noisy get-togethers. Stereotypes? Maybe, but these people come across as so loveable, I didn’t mind at all.

With numerous amusing incidents occurring throughout the movie, it’s difficult to pick out the best ones to mention without spoiling the film for those who haven’t seen it yet. Because I’m a vegetarian like the leading man in this story, I laughed the most at Toula’s aunt (Andrea Martin) who says, after finding out about Ian’s vegetarianism, "You don’t eat meat? It’s okay. I’ll fix lamb!"


I also got a big kick out of the wedding disasters – including incorrect information on invitations, a zit on the bride’s face, the atrocious bridesmaid dresses, and Toula’s "snow monster" gown. No matter what your ethnic background, if you’ve been part of a big formal wedding, you’ll probably love watching this part of MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING.

A strong cast adds to the quality of this entertaining film. Constantine stands out as a man so proud of his heritage he can find the Greek root in any word presented to him. Kazan makes a good partner for him. She’s every bit an "earth mother" who lets her husband think he’s boss. "The husband is the head of the family, but the wife is the neck and can move the head any way she wants," her character tells Toula.

Vardalos and Corbett create a sweet chemistry together. Vardalos seems to be living the part, not just acting – and that’s perfect for her unique movie. Corbett projects great sensitivity and humor as a man bored with dating women who "all look alike." He’s certainly come a long way since his "Northern Exposure" television days. Even then, Corbett’s good looks and soothing voice hinted at his leading man potential.

At the end of the movie, there’s a credit listing Rita Wilson and hubbie Tom Hanks as "producers." After Wilson saw Vardalos’ play, she recommended it to Hanks. Thanks, Rita!

(Released by IFC Films and rated "PG" for sensuality and language.)
 

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