Belated sequel My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 features much of the charm and tone of the original hit romantic comedy. Nia Vardalos’ screenplay depicts the Portokalos family at the next stage of life.
Toula and Ian have a teenage daughter about to graduate high school and leave for university. Meanwhile, Toula’s parents are ageing, and need more support. A recently discovered family secret brings the Portokalos family back together for another wedding…
Fourteen years after My Big Fat Greek Wedding became a box office hit, Nia Vardalos is back scripting and starring in this belated sequel. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is more of an intergenerational comedy, owing to the time that has past. The film shifts its focus from romance to family. Through the character of Toula, the audience sees a shift in priorities. The film focuses on her as she cares for her elderly parents whilst her daughter gets ready to leave for college.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 works well in reflecting a stable and mature marriage through Toula and Ian, the coming of age of daughter Paris, and the seasoned relationship of Toula’s parents. This sequel continues in its depiction of the traditional roles of the first film, although there is some updating. There seems to be a bit of a breakthrough, or revelation, in the climax. However, the film quickly reverts to archetypes.
The comedy works well overall. Some of the jokes are a little weary, but the film does garner laughs. Vardalos has realised the success of the Aunt Voula (Andrea Martin) character from the first film, so she gets more screen time in this instalment. Elena Kampouris is a decent addition to the older cast, who reprise their roles well. John Stamos and Rita Wilson (who also produces) have more cameo-style roles than fleshed out characters.
Hitting the right notes most of the time, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 should satisfy fans of the first film looking for another fix.
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