COVID has been a part of the lexicon for over three years now. I did not want to say it, but I have, so I am sorry. Much like 9/11, almost 20 years prior, it became a term that marked a moment of before and after for most people in its respective society. The key difference between the two is that one was more localized in its impact and the other was largely global. During that time, everything either stopped or slowed down and nearly everyone suffered for it, including the movie industry.
One of the prospective film projects that was delayed due to the global effects of COVID was “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.” Many of you probably recall the original entry to this franchise, which was first released over 20 years ago and was a notable success. My grandparents, in particular, enjoyed that movie greatly. I, personally, did not take the same liking to it, but thought it was very charming and uplifting, which are two qualities almost anyone can appreciate, whether it be in the form of a film or otherwise. In 2016, a sequel was released, which still did well with most filmgoers, but lost its touch with most critics. What seemed to happen is that the same shortcomings of the original were all present, but the charm and wit had run their course. I guess, in this example, the critics and audience members had a slightly-different experience, but what of this latest entry?…
If you take pleasure in continuity, fear not, for much of the same cast has returned for the third round. A very nice (and appropriate) homage was paid to the late Michael Constantine and Bruce Gray, respectively. They each appeared in the previous, two movies, but have since passed away. May they Rest In Peace. Nia Vardalos (“The Curse of Bridge Hollow”), who wrote the first two screenplays, boldly took on the responsibilities and credit as director for this project, too. As far as I know, this is the first film she has directed since 2009’s “I Hate Valentine’s Day.” Without question, the role of Toula Portokalos has become her greatest and well-known acting achievement and as long as she is willing to keep reprising that role, the dedicated fans of the franchise might never lose faith in it, but we shall see, as time marches on.
Also returning to the cast are: John Corbett (“To All the Boys: Always and Forever”) as Ian Miller, Louis Mandylor (“Renegades”) as Nick Portokalos, Elena Kampouris (“Shoplifters of the World”) as Paris Miller, Gia Carides (“Joe Cinque’s Consolation”) as Cousin Nikki— my personal favorite, Joey Fatone (“Izzie’s Way Home”) as Angelo, Lainie Kazan (“Tango Shalom”) as Maria Portokalos and Andrea Martin (“Little Italy”) as Aunt Voula…among others.
The story centers around returning to the homeland of the former patriarch of the family, not only for a grand family reunion, but also to return some important items, as well. Toula and Ian and Paris lead the way, but are accompanied by Nick and Aunt Voula, too. The usual jokes which make the Greeks and Italians most notable are all present, just like the previous movies. Admittedly, I did not see the last sequel, but compared to the original film, the stereotype references were dialed up to level I found to be repetitive and predictable. Once the atmosphere changed, it took only a few moments for me to begin to wonder if this was really being filmed in Greece or if some clever editing or special effects and the addition of a second movie crew had been included. For the most part, I was convinced the latter was true. “Why?” you might ask. Well, to put it simply, the camera angles and cutting made it appear that way. For example, typically, when actors look out into the landscape and the camera never pans or widens to let the audience see it, it is because there is nothing to see, right? The most offensive aspect, in this case, is that I was wrong. So, the filmmakers failed to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity that the previous movies of the franchise did not have, as far as I am concerned. Once you take the time to understand the approach of the last two films, it kind of makes sense, then, as to why the cinematography wound up being such a disappointment, but I would say that worked against this project. With that in mind…
The charm and wit, which had dulled between the years of 2002 and 2016, are not back with any sharper edges, overall. Yes, at times, I could see glimpses of the old attraction for the original movie, but not nearly enough to save “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.” Speaking of the title, the romantic expectation that comes with that was merely an afterthought, at least in execution. Did I laugh or chuckle at all? A little bit, here and there, but sometimes laughter does not matter to a comedy as much as its other, redeeming qualities do. After all, when you become a fan of a comedy or a horror film, the laws of diminishing returns are always present. Unfortunately, I found nothing to redeem this movie of its lack of great comedy.
If you care at all about the longstanding characters this franchise has become known for, maybe you will also care about the not-so-startling revelations and misdirections which await you. Since the audience scores for “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” were so at odds with the critical consensus, It would not surprise me too much if the same turns out to be true of this follow-up, but I kind of hope not. You see, after awhile, the brilliant luster and positive memories of previous glory can be impacted by the less-attractive or under-enjoyable ones that come after it. How many sports fans wish Michael Jordan had never played for the Wizards or try to forget seeing Emmitt Smith in a Cardinals uniform? It would be better, in the minds of most, if those had never happened in the first place. I would prefer to have fewer bad memories of this franchise, especially since watching this sequel did not make me want to revisit the original to wash the bad taste out.
I am sorry, fans. This might be the worst sequel of the year, though I have not seen any of the others…yet. It does not compare to the godawful remake of “Left Behind,” but it might be as bad ( or even worse) than “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials.” Maybe it is time to revisit those titles, as bad as that sounds, just to be sure. What can I say? Those were different years. This is 2023. So far, the highest money-earners this year are based on a video game and a doll. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I have not made up my mind…yet!
Director: Nia Vardalos
Screenwriter: Vardalos
Cinematography: Barry Peterson (“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”)
Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Louis Mandylor, Elena Kampouris, Gia Carides, Joey Fatone, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin, Maria Vacratsis (“Canadian Strain”) as Theia Freida, Elias Kacavas as Aristotle, Gerry Mendicino as Uncle Taki and Melina Kotselou
Distributors: Focus Films (United States) and Universal Pictures (International)
Release: September 8th, 2023
