MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING

This is a warm, funny celebration of one woman’s ethnic heritage, family ties, and Greek Orthodox background. Toula’s journey toward independence gives the comedy heart, while her relationship with Ian explores whether love can bring two different families together.

The film’s faith is nominal rather than deeply lived. Its warmth is also complicated by implied premarital sex, passionate kissing, moderate foul language, alcohol use, and smoking. The story celebrates Christian heritage while stopping short of a full commitment to Christianity.

If you are choosing for older teenagers or adults, this is a worthwhile, imperfect family comedy. For younger children, parents should make the call with discernment.

At 30, Toula Portokalos still lives with her parents and works at her father’s Greek restaurant in Chicago’s Greek section. After noticing Ian, a handsome teacher from a local college, Toula decides she needs a makeover and begins making changes in her life.

When Toula and Ian secretly start a romantic relationship, her traditional-minded father objects. He wants his daughter to marry a Greek man and have Greek babies. The family must learn how to welcome Ian while holding on to its heritage.

Three stars means a warm-hearted, entertaining film with real weaknesses. The movie has heart and soul, along with many funny and charming moments. Its celebration of family heritage gives the comedy an appealing emotional center.

The story structure is less successful. More attention should have been given to developing a stronger sense of conflict, and the film’s story does not always hold together as well as its warmth suggests.

The film celebrates family, marriage, cultural roots, and the remnants of Toula’s Greek Orthodox Christian heritage. It includes a wedding and baptism, and it treats Toula’s family background with warmth and affection.

But the Christian worldview remains nominal. The film includes a libertine view of premarital sex, a comical reference to Greek gods guarding a house, and a fear of making a total commitment to Christianity. Toula and Ian are not particularly religious, so the movie’s celebration of Christian heritage is stronger than its portrayal of Christian faith.

The film’s central longing is for belonging: to love one’s family without losing one’s identity. Scripture describes believers as “members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19), pointing to a deeper belonging than heritage alone can provide.

This is a charming, often amusing celebration of heritage and family, even though its weak structure and nominal faith keep it from being more. For older teenagers and adults, it is WORTH THE TRIP — OLDER TEENS AND ADULTS. Parents choosing for younger children should use their discernment.