"My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" returns to the world established in the 2002, a film that ranks among the most financially successful ever, particularly in terms of cost-to-return. With a minuscule $5 million budget, the original managed to rake in over $360 million worldwide, a feat that few productions can claim. So, it's only natural that fans have pondered why there haven't been more sequels, given the franchise's track record. But the truth is, despite the formulaic nature of these films, the recipe works because it's like comfort food for the soul. It may not earn Michelin stars, but it certainly satisfies by invoking a sense of love and care, akin to the warm embrace of family.
The concept of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was initially criticized as a TV sitcom masquerading as cinema, yet it thrives in the episodic format of self-contained films. "My Big Fat Greek Life," the spin-off sitcom, fizzled quickly, while "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" proved to be a successful return to form, arriving 14 years after the original. And now, we are graced with "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3," which promises another dose of that appealing family-centric formula.
Nia Vardalos, the writer and star of the series, channels her creative energies into this latest installment, making her directorial efforts all the more significant. She understands what the audience desires, and she holds the reins, steering the ship with an acute sense of what works.
The biggest challenge for the filmmakers was the absence of Michael Constantine, who portrayed the gruff yet bighearted patriarch, Gus. Gus had a dream of reuniting his extended family in the ancestral home of the Portokalos clan, a quaint Greek village. However, he never lived long enough to witness his vision come to fruition. This poignant setup serves as an extended commercial for Greek vacations and a portrayal of an idealized immigrant family, where the love of family and cultural heritage reign supreme.
The "Wedding" films possess a craftiness in introducing conflicts that ultimately aren't conflicts at all, resolving them with minimal sacrifice from the characters. The characters, both major and minor, are fundamentally decent, even if occasionally grating or insensitive in a lighthearted manner. These characters are deeply interconnected through blood, marriage, or profound friendships. While they discuss their problems, they don't engage in strenuous efforts to solve them, and often, another character steps in to fix the situation with minimal effort. This is perfectly exemplified in the second film when Gus has to remarry his wife, Maria, a scenario initiated by a mishap with their marriage certificate, a situation resolved by the word "wedding" in the film's title.
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" follows this same formula. The film presents a town depopulated due to blocked springs, which are miraculously unblocked by the end, seemingly resolved with minimal effort. A subplot involving Toula's brother searching for a tree is similarly resolved with ease.
Tensions between the Greek locals and Syrian refugees are introduced but quickly dissolve, epitomizing the film's tendency to present challenges that ultimately pose no real obstacle. The story's resolution implies that the characters' problems can be effortlessly solved with a barrage of quips, a few strokes of luck, and the shared enjoyment of wine and ouzo.
The film teases the existence of three of Gus's dear friends from the past, and Toula's initial fruitless search for them is quickly overshadowed by pure luck as they eventually make an appearance.
The younger generation within the family carries their own non-conflict, which is resolved with minimal effort through a brief conversation. These subplots are indicative of the film's approach to challenges, where minor issues are introduced but effortlessly and swiftly addressed.
Lainie Kazan's performance underscores the film's penchant for skirting complex issues. Her character, Maria, is a source of worry for the family, raising concerns about the onset of Alzheimer's disease. While the film hints at the challenges ahead, it glosses over the weightier aspects of this issue, maintaining its lighthearted tone. Kazan's portrayal captures the family's realization of the inevitable, underscoring the film's ability to sidestep profound problems that better films might confront head-on.
John Corbett's character, Ian, embodies the film's ideal of popular storytelling, appealing to a broad audience. His character is the quintessential heterosexual man: charming, goofy, empathetic, and adaptable, making him agreeable to all experiences and cultures. He lacks any objectionable traits, representing the unproblematic ideal partner. The absence of real conflict in Ian and Toula's relationship is indicative of the film's inclination to avoid significant turmoil.
The film's standout element is its cinematography, masterfully executed by Barry Peterson. The film's visual style is both tasteful and modest, enhancing the narrative without overshadowing it. The crisp nighttime scenes set in forests and cobblestone streets demonstrate a level of clarity often lacking in the digital era, while the cinematography amplifies the natural beauty of the Aegean and Corfu's hills. The film's visuals surpass the narrative in terms of excitement.
In essence, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" is a film that escapes from both drama and reality, serving as an escapist fantasy. The Greek tourism board is likely to embrace it wholeheartedly. While it may not engage with complex issues, it continues to deliver the familial warmth and charm that fans have come to expect from the series.
BONUS FEATURES on BLU-RAYTM, DVD AND DIGITAL:
- GAG REEL
- DELETED AND EXTENDED SCENES
- ON SET WITH NIA VARDALOS – The MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING franchise comes full circle as writer and star Nia Vardalos adds a new role, and takes Toula’s ongoing adventure to another level, by taking a seat in the director’s chair.
- OPA! THE MAKING OF MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 – Enjoy even more fabulous fun with the Portokalos family as the cast and crew takes you to Greece for revealing behind-the-scenes interviews, sneak peeks of beautiful locations and inside stories on the film’s creation.
- WEDDING DRUM SONG – EXTENDED TAKE
- FEATURE COMMENTARY - with Writer/Director Nia Vardalos