Word of mouth has turned "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" into the most successful independent film of all time. Made on a chicken-scratch $5 million budget, the film continues to pull in revenue even after passing the $150 million mark. It turns out that it earns every bit of its success.
There is nothing to dislike about "Wedding," and that is coming from somebody who typically loathes romantic comedies. The story is so sweet and the characters so likable that it is impossible to sit through this independent gem without a constant smile on your face.
"Wedding" is the story of Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos, who adapted her one-woman play for the screen). Her father, Gus (hilarious Michael Constantine), constantly pressures her to find a nice Greek boy and start making as big of a family as possible. Toula simply wants to live her own life, so after some resistance (and a makeover) she takes computer classes and begins working at her cousin's travel agency. Eventually she meets Ian, (John Corbett) and a torrid romance ensues, leading to engagement. But there's a catch - he's not Greek, and Toula's stubborn father is too wrapped up in tradition to immediately take to Ian.
Sure, it sounds cheesy. And though "Wedding" does pile on the feta, it's got so much heart that it's hard to resist. The film takes itself with a grain of salt, cheese and all, and manages to pull it all off with nary a hitch.
Constantine is perfectly cast as Gus, a man who believes Windex can cure any wound and who decorates his porch like the Parthenon, statues, pillars and all. He imports his elderly mother, who constantly runs away and invades the neighbor's basement while screaming "Bloody Turks!"
Toula's family, who visit by the dozens, are all priceless (even the out-of-place Joey Fatone of 'N Sync is tolerable). When Ian's upper-class, martini-dry parents come to meet Toula's, her mother invites nearly 30 family members. They arrive to find a yard full of dancing Greeks roasting goats and exclaiming "Opa!"
This is a rare kind of film these days. There is no violence. There is little vulgarity and minimal sexual content. Ian and Toula don't even fight. "Wedding" does not need these factors to stand out. It is just the kind of straight-forward, good-natured comedy that is rarely made. It's by all means a feel good movie, but not the kind that makes you feel duped into caring. The whole thing just works.
The film is all about loving relationships, but the focus is less on Ian and Toula's relationship than on family. We've all got eccentric family members. Toula has dozens, but their eccentricities are what make them so infectiously appealing.
As the women prepare for Toula's wedding, they manage to pile into a small bathroom by the dozens in order to cover up a zit. The men, particularly Toula's aspiring artist brother spend time bonding with Ian and tricking him into speaking Greek vulgarities.
The relationship between the stubborn but good-natured Gus and Toula, however, is the film's true heart. He initially refuses to accept the ever-sacrificing Ian, but eventually sees that the man makes his daughter happier than any tradition ever could, but he still manages to break Ian's balls constantly.
"Wedding" is a riot. It's consistently heartwarming, hilarious and inspiring. Vardalos's semi-autobiographical script is laced with razor-sharp wit and intelligence. It is the kind of ethnicity-based romantic comedy that anyone can enjoy. No wonder it has become the most successful indie movie of all time - this film is a true winner (eat your heart out, "Blair Witch Project").
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" will be showing as part of the East Lansing Film Festival series. It will be shown at Wells Hall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 and 9:15 p.m.
If you enjoyed this film, you might also like: "Muriel's Wedding" and "Saving Grace."
Suggested viewing: This is a perfect movie to watch with your family or significant other.
