Latest Greek wedding isn’t exactly ‘opa’
Back in 2002 Toula Portokalos married her prince charming Ian Miller in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and it was fun - kind of “opa” even. It was a vastly popular film, delighting audiences worldwide while raking in vats of nomisma (money).
Now we have installment two, also written by Nia Vardolos, who portrays Toula. The script is predictable, and the comic bits, forced. The dancing at the end, however, was … opa!
Newlyweds no more, Toula and Ian (John Corbett) have a 17-year-old daughter, Paris (must have been where they honeymooned - I'd of expected her name to be Athena or something along those lines). Paris is feeling smothered by her big fat Greek family, just as Toula felt when she was younger, so much so that Paris has applied to colleges far from her “sweet home Chicago.” Sub-plot one.
Over the years since becoming parents, Toula and Ian have lost the spark and spend most of their time apart — working. He’s the principal at Paris’ high school and Toula works at the family restaurant because, as Toula explains over and over, “that’s what families do.” Sub-plot two.
The main storyline involves Toula’s parents, Maria and Gus Portokalos. It evolves from Gus' firm belief that he is a direct descendant of Alexander the Great. Gus enlists the help of the entire family to learn how to use the computer so he can access an ancestry website Toula tells him about. While pouring over documents — birth certificates and such — Gus finds his marriage certificate. Unsigned by the priest who officiated. He and Maria aren’t legally married.
When he breaks the news to Maria and the rest of the family at the house, she takes the news well. Laughing, she says to the whole family, “We're not married? I’m a hippie!” Gus suggests they go down to city hall and do it — like right now. Everyone agrees. One of the sons gets ready to go get the car. But Maria's not feeling so inclined.
Says Maria, “We're married anyway now by, what's it called, time served?”
On top of which, Maria isn't too thrilled with Gus' proposal. Again.
Apparently none of the men in the Portokalos family are event remotely romantic. Gus's version of a proposal 50 years ago went something like, “I'm going on an adventure to a new country. You coming?”
His son's proposal was, “I want to put a baby inside you” — or something to that effect. His wife clips him aside his head.
But, regardless of the lack of romance, their proposals did end in walks down the aisle. Must've been under the influence of love.
Anyway, the rest of the movie is about getting Maria and Gus back together and getting them back down the aisle. But ending all legal-like; Ian and Toula need to rekindle their marriage and let go of Paris; Paris needs to be able to breathe without her familial entourage and live her life; and Aunt Voula (Andrea Martin) — by far the reigning most unforgettable, scene-stealing character in these films — well … she's just fine. No problems. She's fierce. Outspoken. In control. She knows it. So does everyone else — including you.
Folks who loved, loved, loved the first Greek wedding film will most likely love this one too. People who grew up in big families — ethnicity aside — will most likely relate to this family. And others, like me, may find themselves thinking, as they leave the theater, “that wasn't opa in the least.”
This film is rated PG 13. It opens Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m. Other screenings: Sunday, April 10 at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 13 and Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m.
The Harbor Theatre is located at 185 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. For more information, call 207-633-0438 or visit www.harbortheatre.net.
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185 Townsend Avenue
Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
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