My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
Focus FeaturesWhile one might think the process of Hollywood producing sequels would be a simple and obvious task, reality sometimes creates strange pathways and results. For example, after the surprise hit of My Big Fat Greek Wedding in 2002, the 5th highest-grossing film of the year and the 2nd highest-grossing film based on an original property behind M. Night Shyamalan's Signs, it would seem obvious that a sequel would be put in the works. Still, it took a whopping 14 years to see the release of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 which was met with disappointing reactions considering its forced story and lack of inspiration. Despite this, Hollywood chugged along with the franchise and now, a shorter 7-years later, we reach the release of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.
The Portokalos family has reached a point of diastrophism in their family unit. After the death of their father Gus, played in the previous films by the late Michael Constantine, and the rapidly declining health of mother Maria, played once again by Lainie Kazan, the Portokalos family are left searching for direction and connection which seems to possibly be found as they are invited to travel to Greece to a large reunion in the town that their father is from. This could give the family a needed closure but as they get to Greece, hijinks ensue, love blossoms, and the search for Gus' former friends begins. A clear step up from what was presented in the second feature of the series, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 holds no major surprises or secrets as those wanting a more simplistic yet charming comedy will be pleased and those hoping for something more elevated are sure to find disappointment.
As with plenty of franchises of this genre, easily the most effective aspect of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is its cast. Having built a natural chemistry from working with each other over the decades on and off, there is a sense of genuine fun found within their interactions and the natural flow between characters. Those like Andrea Martin continue to shine as iconic highlights of the film. While in no way does this spirit evolve or transcend what was already present in this franchise, it keeps the flame alive which is a reassuring feeling after it felt like that fire was nearing death in the second feature.
When it comes to narrative, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 wisely decides to radically change its formula and identity. Rather than awkwardly trying to force another similar story to the first film as My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 did, the film changes its iconography and narrative. While the film does manage to almost comically shoehorn in another wedding, one so irrelevant the ceremony itself takes place off camera, much of the film actually takes on a far deeper meaning. Within the Portokalos family drama is an exploration of grief and how a family can change and come together following a major loss. Within the plot of Victory, the non-binary mayor that runs the nearly abandoned Greek town that the Portokalos family visits played by Melina Kotselou, is a rather lovely tale of inclusion and finding family within those who come from different walks of life and identities. While far from subtle or overly poignant, a natural evolution of the thematics from the first film is found as the Greek city begins to accept Syrian refugees and find a path toward rebuilding a community through their inclusion. When boiled down, the My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a franchise built on a backbone of inclusion and breaking down the walls that divide us and it is hard to argue against My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 being the biggest example of that.
When it comes to frustrations within the film, the biggest would be the film's technical ability. The editing from Annette Davey and Craig Herring is a mixed bag with the film's structure leaving plenty to be desired. Conversations will cut randomly mid-sentence and some ideas will never get the conclusion they deserve. The production all around goes through moments where it can feel far cheaper than it should for a film on this level. While this fails to completely ruin the film, it does cause the film to lack a certain cinematic identity that some might hope for.
For those who have enjoyed the previous films in the franchise and enjoy spending time with these characters, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is sure to be an enjoyable viewing experience. For those who expect something far grander, not only will disappointment be met but one also should check their logic when it comes to building expectations, it is My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 after all.
