We came into the theater expecting a predictable series of pretty glimpses of Greece to go along with sometimes overly sentimental family fare. But, Nia Vardalos, who wrote, directed and stars in the film, intertwines multiple story lines that find the warm spot with good acting and comic characters. It’s not only a travelogue with all of the family members in tow, but rife with the sights and spirit of Greek cultural traditions.
The film starts with a recap of the first two films, much like episodic TV. Now there is more sadness about family matriarch, Toula’s mother Maria (Lainie Kazan). Her mental and physical health is declining. They’re slowly losing her. And they are still grieving the loss of beloved patriarch, Gus (Michael Constantine). The actor died in 2021 and this film is dedicated to his memory. The impetus for the family to go to Greece is to find Gus’ best boyhood buddies and give them his final gift.
Vardalos has morphed from ugly duckling Toula in the first film into a radiant, beautiful woman. She looks as if she’s found the fountain of youth. John Corbett as husband Ian is still the loving, supportive, genial husband and good guy. He’s still handsome 20 years later. Elena Kampouris is back, now as stunning college student daughter, Paris, but combative because ex-boyfriend, Aristotle (Elias Kacavas) is on this trip, too. She’s annoyed because the aunts are always trying to push them back together. They want another Greek wedding.
The picturesque shots of Athens, sun-soaked Greek Islands, rural farms and olive groves and quaint villages with tables piled with Greek culinary delights all play like food and fashion photo shoots. Cinematographer Barry Peterson makes every colorful frame worth watching. Drone shots of the land and seascape are gorgeous. The family arrives to find their ancestral village abandoned because there is no water. The remaining steward is an strident old lady who makes the rules.
Scenes alternate between sentimental and laugh out loud moments, especially from well-delivered one-liners from Aunt Voula (Andrea Martin) who is in top form, and Aunt Frieda (Maria Vacratsis). But vain brother Nick Portokalos (Louis Mandylor) is an absolute riot with his clueless, inappropriate grooming routines. He’s a good-looking guy, but his dining table behavior is disgusting. His smile literally lights up the room with teeth so perfect and white. Through it all, his good-natured strong feelings for his family overcome his behavior. But Mandylor plays inane so well.
The saving grace for the family is the “Mayor” of the village Victory, who picked the whole family up in a beat up truck at the airport. Melina Kotselou gives the most surprising energetic performance. She plays a bit of a grifter who is really there for a good cause wanting this family to stay and save the town. Victory is the essence of plucky, never-say-die Greek fun and a character to be respected.
There is some over-the-top humor that works well along with an unexpected family connection with a man Toula thinks is a stalker. Peter, (Alexis Georgoulis) is the hunk who draws Toula’s attention and then reveals a family secret. This isn’t the first time Vardalos and Georgoulis have been on camera together. He played her love-interest in the 2009 film, My Life in Ruins.
This film is definitely better put-together than the second one and with a suitable run time. Sometimes there are too mushy moments, cartoonish characters and comedic excess, but Vardalos has done a pretty good job crafting her passion project. This love letter to Greece, is more like the original film and worth a big Opaa!
Focus Features 1 Hour 31 Minutes PG-13
