“Burning out or finding new sparks? Unveiling the verdict on ‘Greek Wedding 3′”

Review: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” – An Overstayed Celebration or a Nostalgic Failure?

By | Sept. 8, 2023

Last summer, Nia Vardalos took audiences on a trip to the beautiful island of Corfu in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.” However, what could have been a delightful vacation turns out to be a disappointing and lackluster experience. As a sequel to the 2002 sleeper hit, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” this film fails to capture the charm and comedic brilliance of its predecessor. Instead, it becomes a shrine to laziness and nostalgia, relying on tired ethnic-family jokes and forced zaniness.

A Tasteless Combination of Stale Humor and Cultural Stereotypes

While it’s understandable that Vardalos would want to explore the picturesque homeland of the Portokalos family, the execution falls flat. The “Mamma Mia!” movies, set in the Mediterranean, have already taken advantage of its beauty, and yet “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” fails to bring anything fresh to the table. The film’s attempts at humor feel tired and forced, relying heavily on ethnic and cultural stereotypes.

The absence of the late Michael Constantine, who played the beloved immigrant patriarch, is strongly felt in this installment. His character is represented by a deceased patriarch’s journal, which sets off a journey for Toula (Vardalos) and her family to his home village. However, even with the addition of new characters and the return of familiar faces, the film fails to find its footing.

A Lackluster Plot and Dull Romantic Subplots

One of the major disappointments in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” is the lackluster plot. The central focus of the film, the titular wedding, is treated as mere window dressing. The romantic subplots involving Toula’s daughter, Paris, and her potential beau, fall flat and lack any chemistry or depth. The film is both devoid of romantic charm and comedic brilliance, rendering it com-less and rom-less.

Instead of exploring the potential humor in the Portokalos family’s encounter with long-lost relatives and past loves, the film opts for repetitive and dull jokes. Vardalos’ approach to characters is superficial, leaving the talented cast with little material to work with. The film lacks proper editing and storytelling, resulting in disjointed scenes and continuity errors.

The Importance of Film Cohesion and the Routine Carelessness of Sequel Tourism

As a filmmaker, Vardalos fails to sculpt and edit the narrative effectively. Instead, the film feels disjointed and lacks cohesive storytelling. Feeding into the trend of sequel tourism, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” carelessly utilizes picturesque backdrops and cultural elements without adding substance to the story. The film becomes a collection of clichés and missed opportunities, failing to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Verdict

Ultimately, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” falls short of expectations and fails to capture the charm and magic of its predecessor. It relies too heavily on tired jokes and cultural stereotypes, neglecting to develop meaningful characters and engaging storylines. While fans of the original film may find some nostalgia in revisiting the Portokalos family, it’s difficult to recommend this lackluster addition to the series. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” is a forgettable and uninspired film that fails to find its own unique voice.