The life of a Greek family who takes tradition seriously feels repetitive. In My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, there are no weddings but there is an abundance of family. This time the director is Nia Vardalos who the audience knows as Toula. Her direction of the 3rd installment of this franchise takes a more cultural approach. This time around, however, there is less laughter. Overall, the film still has a lovely charm which comes from strong family values.

In My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, the family is still focused on their Greek traditions. There is Toula and her husband Ian (played by John Corbett), and their daughter Paris (played by Elena Kampouris). Then there is the mother Maria (Lainie Kazan). Maria’s husband has passed, and she is having memory issues. Then there is the rest of the family including Nick (played by Louis Mandylor), Aunt Voula (played by Andrea Martin), Nikki (played by Gia Carides), and Angelo (played by Joey Fatone). With the father passing, the family decides to take a vacation to Greece to attend a family reunion. While they’re there, Toula tries to rediscover the memories from her father’s life while also enjoying a getaway from life stressors. As usual, the Greek traditions and a loving storyline play a big part in this version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

The traditional Greek way of life still drives the daughter Paris crazy. Everywhere they go, the traditions and holidays are endless. It is like a set of rituals that are not meant to be broken.Paris even asks, “Why can’t this family respect my boundaries?” For Paris, it seems as though her boundaries and personal privacy are a low priority in her family, especially if they don’t fit with Greek traditions.

The combination of frustrations and humor are plentiful throughout the film. It is a dramatic continuation of the earlier films, but still focused on cultural values. With the family’s travels, there are lots of challenges that must be coped with. I thought Andrea Martin’s role as Aunt Voula was especially positive. She has an inspirational attitude and is classy. While the family is on the road to Greece, Aunt Voula has a lot to sayand a lot of advice to give. She is one tough cookie. I love the seriousness of the Greek attitude in the family. In this franchise, Aunt Voula keeps growing as the authority on Greek traditions and steals the glory in the film. She helps provide the spirit of hope throughout My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.

Throughout the film, the family learns to have their boundaries violated, which leads to some hilarious fun. It is a film where the quality lacks in fragments. Still, it is an enjoyable movie with a cast of characters who have charming personalities. The viewers get a clear realization of what family means in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, but unfortunately the presentation seems repetitive. Two out of four stars.