“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is an idealistic comedy with a refreshing twist. The woman behind the success Nia Vardolos, surpassed herself not only through her portrayal of Toula Portokalos but also through her impressive writing skills based on her one-woman stage play about growing up in a Greek-American family. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is a feel good romantic comedy with a wonderful sense of humour.

Vardolos plays a plain faced, frumpy waitress who begrudgingly works 24/7 in her fathers Greek restaurant and all she desires is passion, romance and drive. Being the youngest of a clan of Greek children she realises her life is passing away before her eyes, especially when she sees her younger sister with the customary 5 children that Greek women are thought to have. Her possessive father also realises time is running out for Toula and longs for her to marry a “nice Greek man” however things go terribly wrong and she ends up falling in love with a “nice American man” Her father (MICHAEL CONSTANTINE) sees this as his own misfortune and cant seem to accept this stranger. He believes that “Greek women are here for three things marry Greek man, make Greek babies and make more Greek babies”

The downfall for the domineering father started when Toula sought after attending college to learn more about computers and to break out of her fathers business and home. The desire of Toula was at first not met, but with the persuasion of her loving and strong mother (LAINIE KAZAN) her father backs down. While at college Toula’s image and values change, her frumpy image transforms into a strong willed, fashionable and determined young woman. The little girl who was once bullied at school was transformed into a popular and sort after pupil.

The first meeting with the tall, and handsome but not Greek, Ian is not as romantic as could be desired. While Toula is on the phone through a head set, she forgets she is staring longingly at the man and falls ungracefully on the floor. This scene is the spark that lights the fire on their relationship and they secretly meet and become more and more attracted to each other. The whole of Toula’s family becomes worried about her and suspect she’s in love!

My Big Fat Greek wedding has more than its full share of comic gags. When the parents of the charming John come for a customary quiet meal they are struck among the whole family and an enormous party. That isn’t their only misfortune, they are force fed Ouzo and end up more sick then when they arrived! The amazingly talented, star studied family of Toula are absolutely astounding in this film, (including Andrea Martin, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan and 'N Sync's Joey Fatone) and are a true portrayal of a traditional, very large Greek overpowering family. Not only do they kiss everyone they meet, they are passionate about food, especially meat, which is also a disgust to them all when they discover John is a vegetarian, but all is solved when Toula’s Auntie suggests “Oh well, I’ll make lamb”

Even though Toula’s family are not impressed with Ian, he still keeps striving and even agrees to get christened in a Greek orthodox church. When the final day actually arrives it is no more than perfect, a church filled with 10 stunning bridesmaids all dressed in tantalising turquoise dresses, One blushing Greek bride, with the 100 guests and one shy retiring groom with his 20 guests!

The film is a romantic, cheering and light hearted comedy that will keep everyone amused not only for the length of the film, but for the extensive discussions afterwards. It is not a surprise that this was a tremendous box office hit earning over £242,611,296. The director of this spectacular is none other than Tom Hanks wife Rita Wilson, who empathises with the Greek misunderstood Toula, stated that her overpowering and brawny family are unerringly the same!

***Stars***
Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan

***Rated***
PG

***Director***
Joel Zwick

***Screenwriter***
Nia Vardalos

***Producer***
Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman

***Studio***
Gold Circle Films

***Distribution***
IFC Films