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It was a strong week for new releases and below I take a look at a couple weekend film. As always, you can track all my takes on new movies by following my on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (Theaters)
Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Louis Mandylor, and Andrea Martin
Synopsis: It’s been 21 years since we first were introduced to Toula Portokalos (Vardalos) and her big, Greek family. That first film was a sensation, catching audiences by storm and captivating viewers. I remember catching the film and being drawn to the larger-than-life characters and the fun story of family. In the sequel, which dropped in 2016, we got another check in on the family. This time Toula and Ian (Corbett) were dealing with being parents to Paris (Elena Kampouris) and dealing with their own families and drama. It was another engaging slice of life, albeit a little less engaging than the first. You’d be forgiven for not realizing a third installment was coming and is now out. It opened on Friday and whether due to the strikes or the marketing plan, it seemingly had little marketing campaign and buzz. This provides another check in with the family and finds them in a decidedly different place. It also transports them to a decidedly different place—their homeland of Greece. As we pick up, Toula’s father, Gus (Michael Constantine), has passed (as did the actor who played him). Her mother (Lainie Kazan) is in grief, but also dealing with memory issues. That leaves it to Toula, and her family, to make a trek to Greece for a reunion in her father’s hometown. She hopes to share his journal with the three best friends he left behind. While in Greece, things don’t go as planned. But can Toula make the most of it and accomplish her goals and bring closure for her siblings. Did we need another installment of this franchise? Perhaps not. But this third film—written and directed by Vardalos—is a beautiful tribute to family. It also brings forward some different themes than the previous films. It resonated with me on a different emotional level, perhaps reflecting the journey we go on as adults. Vardalos is great in this role. She knows these people and this world. The comedic beats that recur throughout the film work well, too. I enjoy Corbett as her husband Ian and have always enjoyed Martin as Aunt Voula. This film more heavily featured Mandylor as Nick, who has some nice moments, and introduced Melina Kotselou as Victory, a fun addition to the world of the film. The location becomes a part of the story. It was a fun showcase for Greece and a fitting continuation for these characters. It’s a loving tribute to those no longer here for the films and an experience that looks at the process of growing and assuming a new role in the family. These tales of family and adventures aren’t deep but they’re heart-warming. They work best when they strike the right balance between humor and heart, and this film hits that balance well. It’s possible it’s my favorite of the franchise but at the least is a great bookend to the first film.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for suggestive material and some nudity.
Verdict: Three and a half stars out of five

Sitting in Bars with Cake (Prime Video)
Starring: Yara Shahidi, Odessa A’zion, and Bette Middler
Synopsis: There are a lot of different kinds of love stories. One of the most under-rated is stories of friendship that can change our lives. The new Prime Video film, Sitting in Bars with Cake, is just such a story. It’s powerful, beautiful and emotionally engaging. The film—written by Audrey Shulman and based on her story—follows friends Jane (Shahidi) and Corinne (A’zion), who live in Los Angeles. Both of them work at the same company, where Corinne is the assistant to the big boss (Middler) and Jane works in the mail room. She’s studying for law school and developing her passion for baking cakes. After a fun night out for Corinne’s birthday, an idea is born. Corinne seeks to break Jane out of her shell by suggesting she bake a cake every week and bring it to a different bar as a means of meeting people. A year-long effort is born, and soon they’re trying recipes and meeting new people. But when a challenge arises for Corinne, it changes the direction of both their lives and puts the cake mission into perspective. This film, based on a true story, is an engaging drama. It’s built around the relationship between Jane and Corinne, which becomes the bedrock of the story. It’s buoyed by strong performances from Shahidi and A’zion, who seemingly effortlessly bring the relationship to life. Their friendship and care for one another is the heart of the film and sucks you into this story. Director Trish Sie does a nice job with pacing and bringing out the emotions. The supporting performances, especially from Ron Livingston and Martha Kelly are also strong. This was a film that seemed to be tracking in one direction that twists. Your investment in the central characters and the central relationship is what keeps you invested in the story. This was a delightful surprise for me. I was drawn to the story and the performances, and I found it to be a richly rewarding emotional journey.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for strong language, some drug use, sexual references and thematic elements.
Verdict: Four stars out of five