Toula (Vardalos) is a 30-year-old woman still living with her massively Greek parents (Kazan and Constantine) in suburban Chicago. She has always felt like a frumpy outsider, embarrassed by her family's excessive ethnic pride. Then she decides to take a college course in computers and escape from her dad's restaurant ... straight to her zany aunt's (Martin) travel agency. And her world opens up further when she falls for Ian (Corbett). Who, as everyone points out, is not remotely Greek.

This isn't a slick Hollywood movie at all, which is probably why it's so endearing. The noisy Portokalos family is a bundle of quirks, deeply irritating and yet thoroughly loveable. And each actor creates a vivid, hilarious character that rings true no matter what kind of family you come from (Martin is the scene stealer). Meanwhile, Vardalos and Corbett just get on with a genuinely charming rom-com that's sweet without ever being sentimental, always undercut with self-deprecating cynicism.

Vardalos' script is packed with comedy gems and astute observation, as well as lots of smart running gags. And visually the film is a treasure trove of kitch design. The contrast between Ian's conservative parents (Reid and Gray) and the outlandish sprawl of Toula's Greek clan is conveyed with humour, warmth and insight without resorting to the usual cliches.

"This is one of those sleeper movies. All I can say is go see it - bring tissues and be ready to laugh and cry. I just totally loved/enjoyed being in the theatre and watching this movie, and highly recommend it to everyone. It will make you appreciate your family more." --Laurie T, Minneapolis 14.Sep.02