My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)
24KMy Big Fat Greek Wedding 2: Directed by Kirk Jones. With Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan. A Portokalos family secret brings the beloved characters back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding.
“Greetings again from the darkness. Itu0026#39;s been 14 years since the Portokolas family took over movie theatres, the box office, and casual conversation in most every social setting. Iu0026#39;ll readily admit that, despite my leanings toward more serious film fare, I was a huge fan of the 2002 surprise mega-hit. The movie was refreshing and observational, with commentary on proud cultures and helicopter parenting – but mostly it was funny. Bundt cakes and Windex will forever be a part of movie lore as this sequel reminds us.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eGiven the Hollywood proliferation of sequels, re-makes and re-imaginings, the only thing surprising here is that it took so long for Wedding number 2. And yes, that is the only surprise. Nia Vardalos obviously wrote this script as a love letter to the fans of the original. It fits like a warm blanket – comfortable and familiar. The setting, the characters and the jokes all familiar yet still pleasant and easy to watch.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWith that title, we know we are in for another Greek wedding. However, Toula (Ms. Vardalos) and Ian (John Corbett) have one daughter – 17 year old Paris (Elena Kampouris), and her big decision is whether to stay local for college or leave Chicago and the family for NYU. Since the wedding is not for the daughter, it falls to Toulau0026#39;s parents. It seems Gus (Michael Constantine) and Maria (Lainie Kazan) have been living in sin for 50 years – all because the priest never signed the marriage certificate. Let the histrionics begin! Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Waking Ned Devine) stays true to the spirit of the Vardalos script and legacy, and much of the movie plays like one big inside joke for fans of the original. Windex make an appearance in each of the three acts, and we get a shot of decorated Bundt cakes, some exaggerated make-up and hair styles, and a steady stream of family members who just canu0026#39;t help their propensity for being loud and up in everyoneu0026#39;s business.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMost of the original cast returns. Andrea Martin is back as scene-stealer Aunt Voula, and Mama-Yiayia (Bess Meisler) gets her usual u0026quot;pop-upsu0026quot; plus a touching moment in the wedding spotlight. New faces include Alex Wolff (brother of Nat, son of Polly Draper) as Parisu0026#39; prom date; and Rita Wilson (also a producer with her husband Tom Hanks) and John Stamos have a couple of scenes as a Greek couple; while Mark Margolis (u0026quot;Breaking Badu0026quot;, u0026quot;Better Call Saulu0026quot;) appears as Gusu0026#39; brother from the homeland.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNostalgia and familiarity are the keys here, and there is no reason to be overly-critical of a movie that is so pleasant and light-hearted. u0026quot;There you go!u0026quot;”
