There are just SO many films out there! You see two to three wide releases on a weekend with a handful more in limited release. Throw out at least a dozen more on VOD or streaming and now you have an overload of content. But we only have so many hours in the day, and we must be thoughtful towards what we dedicate that precious free time to. That is the point of this series of articles giving you specific reasons why you should run out to your nearest multiplex, drive to search for that limited release, drop some money in the virtual cinema, or to surf those streaming services. Here on The Wasteland Watchlist, you will find some reasons to check out the latest and greatest of films including…My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (Theaters September 8th)
Greek!
Opa! Can you get more Greek than My Big Fat Greek Wedding? This whole franchise has been there to tell Greek American stories and represent this honestly unrepresented culture. Nia Vardalos tells these stories from the heart, and they capture the essence of these people. As an Italian American, I have experienced a lot of the familial elements featured in these films and they certainly resonate with me as well. This third outing takes the Vardalos family to the homeland and we get to experience a lot of Greek culture. This film is drenched in Greek culture, and we get to experience it all on the big screen.
The Ensemble
How many Greek actors can you squeeze into one film? Vardalos leads the way as the (potential) head of the family as they travel to the homeland. We get to have fun with the whole cast who remain from the beloved franchise as well as throwing in a few new and enjoyable characters. Not everyone is giving a traditionally strong acting performance, but they are all having a blast. Andrew Martin is going in and trying to steal every scene and she is quite accomplished at it. Louis Mandylor is a blast as Nick and his weird quirks and full commitment to any gag in the film. The real standout of the newcomers is Melina Kotselou who portrays the mayor of this small town, Victory. She portrays a gender fluid character who brings a vibrancy and energy that makes every scene better when she is in it.
Change of Scenery
How do you shake up a decades old franchise? Change of scenery! Taking the crew from the mundane day-to-day lives of its characters and taking them on a beautiful journey to Greece was an inspired choice. The film might not be the strongest in the technical aspects, but it certainly does well enough to capture the charm and beauty of this small Greek town and the beautiful sea all around it. The film feels different and does just feel like a rehash of the past. This is step one to making a good sequel.
The Laughs
Is the completion rate of chucking so many jokes and gags at the audience very high? Not quite but you will certainly get a consistent chuckle and a few big laughs along the way. The full commitment of the cast to their characters and scenarios makes the film that much more fun. There are certainly some running gags that get a bit stale and much of the film is quite cheesy and silly, but the overall experience is light and joyous. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 goes down like a thin milkshake with all the lovely sugar and empty calories we want out of it.
