Synopsis: Toula Portokalos is 30, Greek, and works in her family's restaurant, Dancing Zorba's, in Chicago. All her father Gus wants is for her to get married to a nice Greek boy. But Toula is looking for more in life. Her mother convinces Gus to let her take some computer classes at college (making him think it's his idea). With those classes under her belt, she then takes over her aunt's travel agency (again making her father think it's his idea). She meets Ian Miller, a high school English teacher, WASP, and dreamboat she had made a fool of herself over at the restaurant; they date secretly for a while before her family finds out. Her father is livid over her dating a non-Greek. He has to learn to accept Ian; Ian has to learn to accept Toula's huge family, and Toula has to learn to accept herself.

Now for the Zone's Eye View:

By Laura Alber

Director: Joel Zwick

Cast:Nia Vardalos, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin, Louis Mandylor, Gia Carides, Joey Fatone, John Corbett

Nia Vardalos has found her Big Fat Greek Success! From a small rundown theater, shown as a play, and as fate would have it, seen by Rita Wilson - "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" made it's way to the big screen. Much to the confused suits in Hollywood, it made it to the screen on a budget of only $5M dollars. Although backed by Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, this film was the brainchild of Vardalos. And, what must be going through her mind now! Surpassing the $200M mark at the box office, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" has taken the top slot for an indie, formerly held by Artisan's "Blair Witch Project". 

With effective and hilarious voice-overs, we hear the tale of one woman's inner and outer transformation and eventually finding the love of her life, and yes - planning that Big Fat Greek Wedding! Toula Portokalos (Vardalos) was a very "plain Jane", working in the family restaurant. Being thirty something and unmarried left little hope for her family, as a matter of fact, they accepted the fact that she would always be "plain" and always work in the restaurant. Things begin to change when Toula finds a brochure for college courses. She decides she wants to study to be a travel agent and work in her aunt's Travel Agency. After convincing her father, rather letting "him" come up with the idea, Toula gets to finally set a goal and work towards it. With this new confidence, she decides to change her appearance as well. A makeover, new hairstyle and new wardrobe later, Toula is a new woman. 

She meets Ian (John Corbett) in the Travel Agency, and after showing her clumsy nervous side, she definitely makes an impression on him. So much so, they begin dating. The problem is, Ian is not Greek and Toula's family doesn't approve. They date in secret until the word gets out. Toula's hot headed and very Greek father Gus (Michael Constantine) wants no part of Ian. Toula, however, has already accepted his proposal. This web she's weaved must be carefully unraveled with the help of her mother and the other females in her extremely large Greek family. 

Everything about this film was so hilarious and well written, that Greek or not, most likely everyone will relate on some level. Some of the funnier highlights included the Portokalos' house, which was built to replicate the Parthenon. Gus (Constantine) also believes that any type of medical ailment can be cured with Windex. He also believes that for every English word, there is a Greek origin for it, and loves to test people on it He was quite the character! And, who could forget the baptismal scene with Ian (Corbett) standing in a tiny kiddie pool. Also take note, or count, of how many Nick's and Nikki's are in the family!

This is definitely a MUST SEE for everyone! And, guys…this is NOT a "chick flick", despite the title. If you didn't catch it in the theaters, My Big Fat Greek Wedding will be available on Video and DVD in February, so you won't have to wait much longer! As possibly the best funny and feel good movie of the year, the Zone rates My Big Fat Greek Success...er...Wedding a 9 out of 10!