My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3

⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)

The Portokalos family has been part of the cinematic landscape for two decades, and this beloved Greek family has us all using Windex uniquely. Nia Vardalos’ story of her heritage and her immigrant family's impact on their Chicago neighbourhood was a runaway hit and led to two sequels. The lead actress returns to write the latest chapter of this extended Grecian family. Then she takes on a new role, taking her seat in the director’s chair to take audiences to the shores of Greece to take us all back to the familial roots.

After the passing of the patriarchal Gus Portokalos ˆ, the family is instructed to take his personal journal back to his friends who lived in the Greek village before immigrating to the United States. Toula (Vardalos) and Ian (John Corbett) get a sorted portion of the family together to head back for this reunion. Yet, things differ from what they had expected as they arrive at a less than friendly reception to the community that has declined over the years. The only thing still giving hope is the young village mayor, Victory (Melina Kotselou), and the possibility of finding Gus’ friends amongst the beautiful Greek islands.

Many may ask if another sequel was warranted after the previous chapter, but due to the box office success of both films, audiences must want more from The Portokalos family. One aspect that does provide a new light on this well-worn and familiar storyline is placing this chapter in the picturesque atmosphere of Greece. Like the squeezing of the olives to produce the tasty oil of this land, Nia Vardalos manages to squeeze out the remaining humour and familial drama that audiences have loved over the years. Each of these well-known characters does enough to distract from the production issues and should satisfy the loyal fans of this franchise.

A few things cause this production to remain on a knife’s edge between mediocrity and providing that heartwarming familiarity of a home-cooked meal. The plot holes are as expansive as the waterways between the Greek islands. Still, the scenery is beautiful as the viewer waits for the screenplay to explain itself. Each plot twist is predictable and adds little to the overall story. Yet, they complement all that audience’s have loved about these low-budget productions. Finally, this feels like an advertisement from the Greek tourist board, especially as each dish is served, which can add to or distract from the overall experience. All this to say that this movie bobs on the waves of acceptability, leaving the fans to decide if they are ready to return to cinemas to embrace this cherished Greek family one more time.

Reel Dialogue: Our response to the immigrant

Over the decades, My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise has given the world a humorous and much-loved view of the immigrant experience. In Australia, the United States, and across Europe, there are many discussions of the value and impact of the refugee and the immigrant. In the heat of this conversation, it might be easy to miss how God has a heart for the poor, afflicted, and oppressed. The foreigner's journey in foreign lands has been around since the beginning of human history. This begs society to consider how to respond to the needs of those who cross into new lands in the hope of a new life.

There have been many books, debates, and films on the subject. What did Jesus have to say about it? He claims that he did not come for the healthy but rather for the sick (Matthew 9:12), and the apostle Paul affirms this teaching that the church is made up of the outcasts, “not many wise, not many powerful, not many of noble birth” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).

Like their God who loves them, the followers of Christ ought to have a special, irrepressible desire for the poor and the outcasts of this world.

If you would like to discuss the issues with immigration in relationship to God, reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat with you about this and more.