MOVIE REVIEW — More Greek family silliness in the latest movie – Orange Leader

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3”

Focus features

Directed by: Nia Vardalos

Starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lanie Kazan, Andrea Martin, Joey Fatone, Louis Mandylor and Gia Carides

Rated PG-13

2 stars

When “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” hit theaters in 2002, audiences around the world fell in love with the film’s Greek comedy.

The film became one of the biggest hits of the year, grossing $368,000,000 worldwide. Unfortunately, that love had mostly dissipated when the sequel stalled at the box office fourteen years later, and I’m afraid the third film in the franchise will go mostly unnoticed when it hits theaters this weekend.

It’s a shame because while I won’t say “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” comes close to recapturing the magic of the original, it does have another family premiere story and a handful of genuinely funny performances.

I’ll admit it’s not a cutting-edge comedy, but let’s not dismiss the film just because it has more modest expectations.

This latest story follows the extended Orange clan as they set off for a family reunion in Greece. Hijinx and mayhem ensue as the Americanized Greeks clash with their cousins ​​back home.

That’s really all you need to know about the story. The formula is simple: take a bunch of awkward but likeable characters and throw them into a stressful situation, then sit back and wait for the laughs.

Formula is the key word here, as much of this movie feels like it was written as a by-the-numbers TV sitcom. There just aren’t many memorable comedic moments in this movie, although I’m always ready to watch Andrea Martin play Aunt Voula.

He once again delivers the film’s performance.

Vardalos and John Corbett are also quite compelling, playing the film’s (mostly) sane central couple, but it’s the chaos caused by the crazy relatives that gives the film much of its energy.

Say what you like about the apparently simplistic level of humor in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3,” but there’s no denying that this game’s cast keeps things fun.

As for family bonding moments? Well, your results may vary, but I thought there were enough sweet moments to make the film an enjoyable night at the theater.

I’m a bit of a snob about feel-good schmaltz, meaning my heart enjoyed the film as a whole, even as my head realized it was average at best.

Ultimately, I suspect audiences will enjoy My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 unlike how they enjoyed the last film.

If you thought the second movie was unnecessary and just called it, then you’ll probably feel the same way about movie number 3.

If, however, you enjoyed the general silliness of the film and the schmaltz family bonding warmed your heart, then I suspect you’ll have a similar experience this time around.

Sean McBride’s movie reviews, “The Movie Guy,” are published weekly by Orange Newsmedia and air weekly on KFDM and Fox4. Sean welcomes your feedback via email at [email protected].