 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
- Review Date: April 27, 2003
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 2002
Common Sense Media says
Perfect sleepover movie for tweens (and moms!).
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there is a non-graphic sexual situation, but it is clear that Toula and Ian wait until they are really committed before going to bed together. Characters drink (Ian's parents are introduced to powerful Greek Ouzo).
What's the story?
In MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, Nia Vardalos plays Toula, the shy, plain daughter of a loving but overpowering Greek family. Her family believes that Greek girls are here to marry Greek boys, have Greek babies, and cook a lot of Greek food. In the unlikely event that they do not get married, they are expected to work in the family business, in her case, a Greek restaurant. But Toula dreams of more, and with the help of her mother and her aunt, they manage to have Gus thinking that it is his idea to have her go back to school and get another job -- in her aunt's travel agency. Toula begins not just to bloom, but to glow, and attracts the attention of Ian, a handsome teacher (Sex and the City's John Corbett).
Is it any good?
The story behind this film is as remarkable as the film itself. Actress/writer Nia Vardalos created a one-woman show about her Greek family and their response when she married a man who wasn't Greek. Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson (who is Greek), saw the show and decided to make it into a movie with Nia playing herself. Viewers will fall in love with Vardalos and her family, too. The family is an irresistible force and she is just plain irresistible.
Vardalos and director Joel Zwick balance the specifics of the Greek-American culture with the transcendent universalities of family dynamics. Vardalos and Corbett have a believable sweetness with each other. The movie is riotously funny but heart-catchingly touching and it will make you want to go back and hug everyone you are related to. This is a terrific choice for families with tween-aged kids. The romance is age appropriate and the characters are great role models for how to fall in love and treat each other right. This is one movie where no surprises lurk. Just grab the popcorn, don't answer the phone, and enjoy.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about cultural differences. Do your kids know any families where the couples come from different backgrounds? How have those differences created problems or new opportunities for new, blended traditions? Why does Toula have a hard time telling her family how she feels? How does this family compare to others that you know or have seen in other movies, or to your own? Does your family have a combination of ethnic cultures, and what are some of the issues that have come up in meshing them?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Loved It!
I loved this show it was sooooo funny!!! But Probley not for little kids. It will make you Laugh so hard! Two thumbs up!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
best movie ever!
i love this movie!! one of my all time favorite movies! i have probably seen it a hundred times! great movie for sleepovers or family night. it has some bad refrences but young kids wont get it so its not a big deal. its a great, funny movie! it also teaches you that no matter what culture or race you are if your in love with someone then that shouldn't stop you.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
4 and 1/2 stars
This is an excellent movie. There is a bit of sensuality (mild) and language (also very mild.) The leads are very convincing and lovable.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I can watch this over and over
I watch this over and over and never ever get bored fo it, I know every line to this moive, its just so funny!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
August 25, 2011
AGE
Maybe?
The movie was good but not for younger kids i wouldn't let my little sis watch but over all good movie could have been better
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Awesome family movie . . .
Really cute movie about a Greek-American family, and their response to marrige . . . My entire family loved it when we watched it a while back, even my dad and (at the time) 8 year old sister. It was a cute movie to watch on a rainy night!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | IFC Entertainment |
| Director: | Joel Zwick |
| Cast: | Joey Fatone, John Corbett, Nia Vardalos |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 95 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 19, 2002 |
| DVD release date: | February 11, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | a mild sexual situation and some language |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
