Cascas...
(About the 13th minute of the film)
My Great Greek Summer
Greek Georgia works as a guide. She wants to leave and go to America, where she grew up. Taking a group of tourists and a shaggy driver (on a decrepit bus, a-hee-hee), Georgia goes (as she thinks) on her final tour of the sights of Greece.
Honestly, I didn’t expect anything good from Donald Pitri’s film (even considering that he directed my favorite “Grumpy Old Man”), but the comedy “My Big Greek Summer” pleasantly surprised. It's a great tape. Very positive. Very bright. Very kind.
Beautiful picture (exciting views of Greece). Nice caste. For some time, damn it, old Richard Dreyfuss got a wonderful role (for which there is no shame). I agree that without clichés and banal moves did not do. You know in advance how the Georgia storyline ends.
It's all right. If you are looking for a romantic comedy to brighten up the evening, do not pass. Maybe I'm exaggerating. Maybe I just love actress Vardalos, ah heh heh. Well, she's really cool, okay? She and “My Biggest Greek Wedding” at one time went on a hurrah, won the hearts of many moviegoers.
So try it. One of the producers of the film is Tom Hanks himself.
7 out of 10
'At the center of history and culture, they need a T-shirt with a picture of a Trojan horse!'
Possessing a stunning charisma and ethnic personality, the American of Greek origin Antonia Eugenia Vardalu, better known under the stage abbreviated name Nia Vardalos, from a young age felt herself a creative person and at first devoted herself to the muses of the theater. But there, to put it mildly, she did not take heights until fate gave her a lucky chance, which, as at that time it was thought, would completely turn the whole life and career of Vardalian: once Rita Wilson, the wife of Tom Hanks himself, whose authority and opinion were then unshakable, visited her production. They invested as producers in the creation of the family comedy ' My Biggest Greek Wedding' where Vardalos played the main role. Bright, non-standard, ethnically detailed, possessing a subtle and sincere humor tape liked by critics, getting on the nomination of the statuette ' Oscar' in the category ' Best Original Screenplay' and at ' Golden Globe' Vardalos herself could receive the award for ' Best Actress (comedy or musical'); And in general, in my humble opinion, the tape ' My Big Greek Wedding' is one of the most underrated paintings ' zero'.
And now, as already mentioned, since Vardalos so famously took advantage of the opportunity offered, then, in theory, she opened the door to a big cinema from her foot. And soon life showed that these bright hopes were not destined to come true. Vardalos plunged into creativity, but, being outside the support of Hanks and Wilson, her career stalled already at the starting turns. Movies ' The show only girls' (2004) and 'I Hate Valentine's Day' (2009) did not even become hits of the weekend, passing by the general public. Vardalos also appeared as a guest in several popular TV series. But all this could hardly be called the ultimate dream of an ambitious filmmaker. And having decided that good is not sought, Nia decided to return to the concept that brought her first success, namely, she continued her small expansion into Hollywood, carefully preserving the traditions of her great people. So in 2009, a new comedy called ' My Life in Ruins' was released, but our distributors decided that the viewer would go to the new film Vardalos, if it was correlated with the previous famous work of the actress, and called it “My Big Greek Summer” '.
But in the translation of the original title was laid an excellent plan, bearing both direct and hidden meaning. ' My life in ruins', firstly, refers to the direct work of the main character named Georgia Yanakopolis, an American of Greek origin (it is easy to guess who embodies this character). Georgia is a guide to historical sites in Greece for English-speaking tourists. That is, the girl spends most of her working time among the ruins, telling about their historical origin and value. And the hidden meaning lies in the fact that Georgia is sure that working as a guide is not what she dreamed of and in general she hates all this, so the upcoming trip with capricious tourists will be her last. And the second point is that Georgia’s personal life is in ruins, close to thirty, and their only love they have not found. But it is this tour, the final, as she thought, will put everything in place in the ruined, as the main character assumed, life. But before that, she will have to smooth out conflicts, smile at capricious tourists, try to convince them that the meaning of the trip is not buying souvenirs, but getting acquainted with the cradle of humanity.
As mentioned above - in 'My Big Greek Summer' Vardalos borrowed winning elements that gave her critical encouragement. This is subtle humor, mentality, ethnic expressiveness, and stereotyping of Americans was added. It is possible that because of this on the resource IMDb, the film did not get six points out of ten, but American grievances are alien to us, so we can laugh without hesitation at 'Yankees in Greece'. And if Vardalos did not change her role much, then you should not blame her, but it is better to look at the incarnation of the character from Richard Dreyfuss, who played Irv Gideon. From him came warmth, everyday wisdom, amazing understanding of everyone. In general, Dreyfuss could deserve to receive the status of ' Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Film'. Perhaps even that we must agree that the first star 'My big Greek summer' was he, and not Nia Vardalos, although her character does not cause antipathy. And it remains to add a little about the director of the tape, Donald Petry, who has already established himself as a smart director of family-type comedies, - in his track record were already ' Mystic Pizza' (1988), ' Old Grumpy' (1993), ' Miss Congeniality' (2000), ' How to get rid of a guy in 10 days' (2003) and ' Kissssss for Luck' (2006) and a couple of others. And 'My Big Greek Summer' is not the worst work from Petrie's repertoire.
And I will be brief: 'My big Greek summer' also not the worst option for pastime in front of the screen, if the mood is some romantically lyrical, and in dreams a trip to some beautiful country, but the decision exactly where to go has not yet come.
7 out of 10
P.S. By the way, the Greek authorities believed that the film with Nia Vardalos will help increase tourism to their beautiful country, so they gave permission to shoot in the Athens Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wonderful light comedy. No, this is not a deep drama or a philosophical parable. But it is this film, imperceptibly, between the sea of jokes and the incredible views of Greece, conveys to you its really deep meaning.
The main character of Georgia - everything is not so in life (at least she is sure of it). Stupid work as a guide, always aching and annoying tourists, lack of personal life and further down the list. I don't know about you, but it reminds me of a lot of people I know who always don't. Here is Georgia, for this stupid attitude to life ceases to notice all the good around: the incredible beauty of Greece, interesting people from whom you can learn a lot (even if they are not perfect), and all the opportunities that life gives her.
“Whatever you do, do it well,” Disney once said. Whatever you do, be the best at it, put your soul into it and make it your calling. If you work as a waiter now, be the best at what you do, and let people tell their friends about you and come back to your cafe again and again. No matter where you are, no matter what you have, how you feel about it matters. This film is a wonderful example for everyone.
And, yes, if you are closed from the world and look at it with a sullen look, then you can hardly expect a miracle from it.
10 out of 10
My Big Greek Summer & #39 is one of my favorite movies. Its main plus, in my opinion, is that the director managed to convey the spirit of Greece itself, this is necessary for everyone, ' time for coffee' and kefi, and slowness and pacification of the Greeks themselves. And, of course, I was fascinated by the beautiful scenery that accompanied the film.
I was also delighted that the film had inserts of Greek speech and song in Greek, which only added to the atmosphere.
It reinforced the positive impression and humor present in the film. I was really funny. I’ve seen this movie a few times and it makes me laugh every time.
The stupidity of tourists, in my opinion, is a successful reception of hyperbole in the film, as well as the funny names of the Greeks.
In general, to sum up, I can say that if I want to cheer myself up, I just turn on this film.
10 out of 10
And all this ignorance of foreign culture was extremely ridiculous and annoying, but one way or another it began to seem in a different light, not so bad. (c)
Perhaps, the first part of the film I paired with the main character resented the behavior of tourists who came to such a small but great country, just for the sake of souvenirs. These moments literally broke my heart, because when they found themselves in sunny Greece, they simply ignored history and wanted only to look at the shops and sunbathe on the beach (here I was directly disappointed in them at the beginning and therefore was extremely skeptical, it turned out, in vain). Yes, in fact, none of them could appreciate the Greek history that has survived to this day, but they accepted it and tried to understand it (albeit in its strange form). This is probably the case with most tourists.
Nia Vardalos is a kind of sun that illuminates the film. She is still the same ordinary woman who seems so unremarkable, but her smile is worth a lot (it seems so sincere and good-natured that you involuntarily start smiling back at her). This actress copes with her role perfectly, which goes as another big plus. She literally brought this story to life with her appearance (more of these main characters, they would not be priced). Alexis Georgulis perfectly proves that appearance is the last thing you can think about. He seems to be an overgrown nerd, to whom the main character certainly is not able to pay attention (I was very surprised to learn that he is the main character). It just so happened that behind all this hair was a really attractive man (long hair is my weakness, so even in the beginning he was able to attract). Here the duo really came out fantastic, as none of the actors were inferior in strength. They both did a great job of reviving their heroes.
Perhaps I could say that Athens was a great addition to the film, but I would be lying if I called this wonderful city an addition. It’s one of the main features and pluses (as I’m not sure I’d even start watching this movie if it wasn’t for him). Still majestic, mysterious, and incredibly beautiful, Athens will always make my heart beat faster, and looking at it from the screen makes me want to be in it. So the capital of Greece wasn’t just an add-on – it painted an already beautiful history with even more vivid colors (and after such a romantic story, I want to say that Athens has become another romantic city on my list that I hope to be on someday).
Speaking of romance, it was wonderful. A beautiful couple with an incredibly funny history of dating. I liked that they went to this gradually, each time realizing how they feel for each other (the wonderful thing is that it came to the main character for too long, and even with the light hand of others). There was also a secondary line between that pretty girl and the handsome Greek. Well, I really liked that plot twist. I would not refuse to see how they will end up (although, perfectly and I understand that they will not be together).
8 out of 10
It was colorful and incredibly fabulous, and it was also so funny that tears were coming up. Athens turned out to be a wonderful place, in which the passion boils between the “clamped” lady and the “recluse” man. It looks like the duo looks great.
The melody of the Greek sirtaka will haunt me for a long time and cheer me up!
An hour and a half filled with kindness, happiness, charm, Greek mood and a little naivety. When I came across this film online, I was expecting another second-rate comedy – a melodrama flavored with low humor and flying through the viewer, leaving nothing behind. To my surprise, this film did not meet my expectations.
What's this movie about? People who, even when confused, find happiness. They find beauty where they have not seen it before, find answers to their questions and, most importantly, find (or rediscover) their love.
The story follows a young Virginian woman, a Greek by blood but American by birth, who, by fate, moved to Greece. After a short career as a teacher, the hero had to work as a guide. Virginia’s ambitions have subsided, she has never made friends in Greece, her tour guide, despite her boundless love of art and Greek culture, is not as successful as she would like, and nothing seems to change her intention to return to the United States. She decides to take the last tour group, tour, retire and leave Greece forever. She never imagined that it was this group of people who were completely different, disliked their guide and each other from the very beginning, with little interest in knowing the great culture, that could change the lives of Virginia and each other. Previously unknown people awaken in the hearts of each other feelings, so long and deep hidden in the heart.
“My Greek Child” is a film for dreamers, a film that will make the viewer smile and erase all sadness from him, a film that will overwhelm with its sunny mood, give warmth and leave a little kindness and joy of life in the heart of each viewer.
For good actors, for funny characters, for Greek landscapes, for a love story and, finally, for an hour and a half when I couldn’t take off the screen and was happy, I bet:
10 out of 10
During the general holidays, why not remember the movie My Big Greek Summer? It’s not an ad for a Greek resort, just to bring a very good movie to life. Those who have ever traveled abroad will understand me. The company you can come across very, very diverse, united by the desire to have a good time or to hang out with young people. But the party is divided. Like the one in Donald Petrie's movie, it's pretty much nothing.
So, Greece. People suffering from rest came to rest. In the guides they have someone Georgia, a Greek by birth, but born and spent most of her life in the States. Georgia is beautiful and charming and wants to introduce people to the cultural values of Greece. Do the resting comrades want it? Georgia has a competitor, tour guide Nico, who is willing to kill her clients and get bonuses from their general boss. Nico, he's a schmuck. The tricks that he will make, one day come back to him. In the meantime...
Tourists sit in a cozy bus and travel to the Greek surroundings and attractions. They really want to buy souvenirs in order to come home to boast of a friend. A perfectly understandable wish. Georgia's audience is different. Getting these people interested is not easy. Who knows what would have happened if not for the driver. Bearded and silent, he suddenly transformed, forcing Georgia to look at the world with completely different eyes. And then one of the tourists, always traveling with his wife, is forced to travel alone and hang not quite understandable Georgia jokes. Will they get in touch with Donald Petrie?
It's a beautiful movie. Operator work from the first frames catches the eye. Picturesque views of Greece, excellent musical accompaniment and delightful Nia Vardalos will take you to the world of romance and dreams. Warm movie. You look at this picture and it’s as if you are the same tourist, a member of this group. Donald Petrie managed to create a brilliant atmosphere. By the way, without funny episodes did not do. For example, remember the scene where Georgia tries to send a letter, and one subject makes her eyes and hints at the bed. It’s a very nice scene, and it’s a great one.
In the end, we have a great romantic film for family watching. He can move to quit everything, buy a hot ticket and rush to the sea and the sun. Why not?
This film is perfect for those who would like to visit Greece. Together with the main character, tour guide Georgia, the viewer will see the main attractions of this country: the Athenian Acropolis, the Parthenon, Olympia, Delphi. This is a really interesting tour for lovers of antiquity. But the Georgia group doesn't really want to hear the historical details. They want to relax on the beach, eat ice cream and buy souvenirs for memory, which upsets the erudite guide. And then a colleague plots her to get a pay raise. Does she have the patience? Or will she give in to everyone’s fun and forget about her schedule?
The plot is simple, but cute. What else can you expect from the director Donald Petrie, who made a career on romantic comedies (" Miss Congeniality, How to get rid of a guy in 10 days, Kiss for luck)? Of course, the main beauty of the film is in the historical places where the shooting took place. I wouldn’t be surprised if after this movie, you want to visit Greece and see this beauty with your own eyes. The atmosphere of the excursion is conveyed quite realistically. I liked the irony: the ever-danced Greeks, the drinking Australians, the eating Americans, the traveling old people, the foreign hunters, the successful businessmen, etc. They are all clichés, but laugh at them kindly.
The second plus is the charismatic Nia Vardalos, in which Greek roots are well felt. Of course, she does not look like Angelina Jolie at all, but she is also beautiful in her own way. The love line does not shine with originality, but for the variety of images and beauty of landscapes, you can forgive the creators of banality. In general, a good movie for recreation, which will reveal for you the culture of the country of olives and ruins.
6 out of 10