Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Movie Review … My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2


In 2002 ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ became a popular audience hit.  A comedic tale of finding love amongst a large Greek family, it made a star out of actress Nia Vardalos.  Fourteen years later she returns for the sequel retaining most of the original’s charms.  Although lightning rarely strikes twice for sequels with some tarnishing their forebears’ credentials, ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2’ proves an amiable time-waster sure to enhance its predecessor’s allure.

Toula (Nia Vardalos) and Ian (John Corbett) are having a tough time handling their teenage daughter Paris (Elena Kampouris).  Facing the pressure of marital life, Toula longs to return to the idylls of their first meeting.  Salvation arrives when another Greek wedding surfaces.  Focussing on making it an event to remember, Toula’s family turns her world asunder.  The path to marital bliss becomes rocky as the huge wedding becomes a never-ending circus.

Whilst occasionally indulging in sugary sentiment, ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2’ is generally amusing.  Targeting heightened escapades than genuine reality, it has authenticity due to its familial theme.  ‘You can choose your friends but not your family’ is well highlighted with Toula’s quirky tribe a good mix of personalities.  Each has their moment to shine in the plot’s increasing silliness.  Although there may be too many to keep track, their solidarity in times of crisis is pleasing in an era where cinematic families are usually seen in a more cynical light.

Vardalos ensures her script keeps the momentum going with her chemistry against screen husband Corbett genuine.  Her co-stars all put in fine performances in very sketchy roles showing good comic timing.  Those from large families will know exactly how Toula feels with some cringe worthy moments providing nice laughs.  There isn’t any crudity with the focus on wit and sly humour welcome.  Despite the gap between films making it initially difficult to re-engage with the characters, events pick up due to some clever writing and acting.

‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2’ is a diverting comedy worth seeing.  Although some set-pieces go a little too far in search for laughs, this latest comedy of Greek errors should soften the hardest of souls.






Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia. 



TRAILER


SOUNDTRACK


Movie Review … Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice

Created during the 1930’s Great Depression, comic book characters Batman and Superman have endured.  Changing tastes have not dimmed their allure with various TV series and movies increasing their popularity.  Fans have either enjoyed one or both heroes with an on-screen teaming eagerly waited.  ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ should easily sate that thirst.  Although a cynical excuse for Hollywood to combine franchises to make more dollars, it works as escapist fare with its megaton of CGI dazzling the eyes.

After the near destruction of his adopted home city Metropolis, Superman (Henry Cavill) seeks to make amends.  Wanting to help re-build, his efforts are de-railed by masked vigilante Batman (Ben Affleck).  Determined to battle Superman for a past wrong, Batman’s lethal zeal knows no bounds.  Soon a battle is commenced with other players including Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) setting their sights on destroying those standing in their way.

As a vehicle in establishing further franchises ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ almost works.  Unlike Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’ films, it introduces characters fleetingly without giving them much to do.  Of course the main focus is Batman and Superman who are better developed with stronger story arcs.  Whilst Cavill’s Superman is better realised than in ‘Man of Steel’, it is Affleck’s Batman which most impresses.  Quickly stamping his own persona on the role, Affleck successfully embodies his character’s tortured soul and determination.

The solid characterisations enable full investment in the many action scenes. Predictably they are all amazingly realised with genuine tension felt.  Even at such a huge run-time, the pacing doesn’t feel slow even if some sequences don’t quite work.  Zack Snyder’s direction makes the most of the story and CGI even if he is let down by some performances.  Eisenberg especially seems ill-cast as Luthor, playing him far too over the top compared to his co-stars.  Such misgivings are minor as the film delivers on providing glossy spectacle amongst a generally engaging narrative.

Although the Marvel films are still more fun and exciting, ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ is a good ride to be on.  The best of the DC Comics’ films to date that generates a tantalising taste of things to come with further heroic adventures certainly not unwelcome.




Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick's Movie Review? Then please use the comment box.

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.


TRAILER



SOUNDTRACK