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When Nia Vardalos’s delightful indie chick flick, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, became a hit back in 2002 (even earning her an Oscar nomination for screenwriting), everyone expected the lovable Greek everywoman to become the new Sandra Bullock, starring in every other chick flick that hit theaters. Instead, following a short-lived sitcom and a box office blip (2004’s Connie and Carla), she all but disappeared.
In My Life in Ruins Vardalos and her character, Georgia, both seek to get their kefi (i.e., mojo) back. College professor Georgia moved to Greece for a fresh start. But when an economic downturn left her unemployed, she ended up working as a tour guide, ushering the same annoying tourists around Greece week after week.
Georgia’s latest tour is her worst yet. Her tourists care more about souvenirs than they do about history, the bus’s air-conditioning is broken, and she’s stuck with a “hairy creepy hairy guy” named Poupi (Alexis Georgoulis) as her driver. To make matters worse, her obnoxious rival, Nico (Alistair McGowan), seems determined to make her life (and her tourists) even more miserable.
After the first day, Georgia decides that it’s time to give up and go home. But, as she takes one last tour through Greece, her crazy tourists teach her how to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Is My Life in Ruins silly and predictable? Yes, it is. If you’ve seen any of the commercials (or if you’ve ever seen a romantic comedy), you already know how it’ll end. Then again, you also know exactly how your favorite flavor of ice cream tastes, yet you still keep going back for more, don’t you? Of course you do. And why is that? Because it’s sweet and yummy and enjoyable. And so is My Life in Ruins.
It may not be smart or surprising or particularly original, but My Life in Ruins has plenty of the ingredients that blend together to make it a fun chick flick:
- Laughs: Though some of the tourists can be hard to stomach (particularly Rachel Dratch and Harlan Williams, who play the obnoxious American couple), they’re also wacky and entertaining. They may seem like overdone stereotypes, but if you’ve ever traveled overseas, you’ll get it. Believe me; these people actually exist.
- Romance: My Life in Ruins also receives additional points here because, despite his unattractive nickname, Poupi cleans up so very well. And, on a related note, there’s also plenty of…
- Eye candy: The gorgeous Greek scenery is sure to have you racing home to search for cheap flights to Athens. (Remember how you wanted to travel to Tuscany after seeing Under the Tuscan Sun? It’s kinda like that.)
- And (most importantly) one lovable main character: As in Greek Wedding, Vardalos is charming and funny and completely relatable. She’s not super-skinny. She’s not plastic-y perfect. And, no matter what the obnoxious Americans think, she’s nothing like Angelina Jolie. She’s insecure and imperfect—and normal. She could be you…or me. From the very beginning of the film, you’ll understand her—and you’ll love her.
And, finally, there’s…
- A happy ending: It’ll leave you with that warm-fuzzy feeling. And, really, what else would you expect from a romantic comedy?
Of course, that’s not to say that My Life in Ruins has the perfect mix. Some of the ingredients do seem a bit out of place. For instance, Richard Dreyfuss’ character, Irv, seems a bit overused. And there are a surprising number of poop jokes, too. But, for the most part, it’s a pretty tasty recipe.
Cinematic genius it’s not, but My Life in Ruins is still a fluffy and refreshing little summer escape. Just leave the boys at home for this one—because their sighing and eye-rolling will put a damper on your fun. And, after it’s over, be sure to treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream.
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