It always surprises me when a group of heavy hitters famous for making excellent films come up with such a lazy dud. HBO and Playtone, headed by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, produced this film, for heavens sake. Nia Vardalos, star and creator of the delightful and original My Big Fat Greek Wedding, wrote the screenplay and stars again. How could a dream team like that let loose something so silly and sloppy?

I’m especially disappointed with the part Vardolos wrote for herself. Her spineless character does little more than react, roll her eyes, and look befuddled. The first time out, she was plucky and winsome. In the sequel, she is moot, as is a totally wasted John Corbett, who does little more than serve as the butt of racist jokes because he’s not Greek. I’m telling you, no self-respecting husband with the corresponding equipment would put up with the ridiculous antics of this overbearing, brain-free family.

I wonder how people of Greek descent feel about being depicted as a bunch of ridiculous buffoons? At first, they’re charming. We see Windex being used to de-ice the car, and we’re in comfortable territory. But after about ten minutes, we realize that the same jokes are being repeated ad nauseam. And there’s nothing new or interesting being added to this moussaka. It’s the same old ingredients, minus an engaging plot.

The wedding, you see, does not involve the daughter, as you might have believed. This would have been more interesting — especially if the daughter had a little edge to her, as she promises in the beginning. No, I won’t reveal who is involved in the second wedding, but I will tell you it feels ridiculously contrived, and you won’t believe for a minute that there’s anything at risk. Yes, this is a comedy, but every comedy needs some drama to keep viewers interested. This movie is all smiles and overly honeyed baclava.

I will say this in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 review — it’s smart counter programming against Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. If you’re anyone other than a fanboy, this might be perceived as a fun alternative. But you may want to skip the crazy crowds who will inevitably show up at the local cineplex opening weekend altogether, and go directly to your favorite Greek restaurant. You’re going to end up there anyway.

PG-13

1 Hour 34 Minutes

Get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 Review — If Nothing Else, It Will Make You Hungry for Greek Food