'Greek Wedding:' Great movie, light on features

As one of the most surprising and entertaining movies of last year, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" exceeds all expectations of a romantic comedy. Despite the slew of humdrum, romantic waste forced upon female viewers last year ("Sweet Home Alabama," "Crossroads"), this movie exemplifies how wonderful the genre can and should be.\nThe movie follows the life of Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos), a Greek woman with a huge Greek family. The Portokalos family is desperate to find a nice Greek man to marry Toula, a 30-year-old waitress at the family restaurant who still lives at home. In order to help the restaurant and escape her monotonous routine, Toula takes computer classes at a community college where she transforms into a gorgeous, confident woman. While working at her aunt's travel agency, Toula meets Ian (John Corbett), a sexy teacher looking for love. The two hit it off, though Toula is apprehensive about dating a non-Greek. But, alas, love does conquer all and Toula falls deeply in love with the Anglo Romeo despite her family's avid objections. Eventually the mismatched pair are engaged, and the Portokalos family is forced to deal with a "xeno" (Greek for foreigner) entering the family. \nThis movie is great, and not only reserved for ladies. Men can openly enjoy this flick as well. The majority of the film is occupied by the humorous antics of the Portokalos family and keeps audiences laughing. The movie is sweet, hilarious, entertaining, clever and a dozen other amazing things. It ranks right up there with "When Harry Met Sally" and "Bridget Jones' Diary."\nWhile this movie is awesome, the DVD is awful. The only real special feature offered is an audio commentary by Vardalos, Corbett and director Joel Zwick. The commentary is interesting, offering insight into the real life happenings of writer/star Vardalos (the movie is based on much of Vardalos' real life experience marrying a non-Greek). The only other features are lame cast bios and the choice of "full" or "wide" screen. In a word, this DVD is weak. \nAlthough the special features are pathetic, it is worth owning or renting for the movie itself. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is an exceptional romantic comedy and an amazing film -- a big, fat, good time for any audience.