If you can ignore the rather blatant stereotypes, the obvious plot and the predictable conclusion, you’ll enjoy “My Life in Ruins,” a pleasant romantic comedy. And Nia Vardalos of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” fame has enough on-screen charisma that you root for her character’s plight in life to improve. Georgia (Vardalos) is an unhappy tour guide who is stuck shepherding annoying tourists around Athens. She would prefer a job teaching ancient history, but leading tours pays the bills. Georgia’s problem is that she is prone to giving history lectures to charges who want to shop for souvenirs and eat ice cream. Naturally, the point of the movie is for Georgia to discover her joy for life, to be like Zorba, who can dance even when things fall apart. She accomplishes this transformation with the help of a hunky bus driver (Alexis Georgoulis), a wiseguy tourist (Richard Dreyfuss) and various stereotypes who sign up for her tour: snooty Brits, obnoxious Americans, man-hunting divorcees, beer-drinking Australians.
Vardalos is charming and by the end of the movie, she makes Georgia’s conversion to happiness seem genuine despite being hampered by some lame gags (getting chocolate ice cream on her blue blazer being one of them). “My Life in Ruins” is fluffy rom-com silliness, but Vardalos manages to infuse it with warmth and appeal. And movie that has the beauty of Greece as a backdrop can only enhance your movie-watching pleasure. 6/5/09
Yes, it was predictable, it was probably full of stereotypes (I guess) but I just can't help it, I love "corny" old romantic comedies that make me roar with laughter. I'm basically a simple guy and if it makes me laugh, it makes me laugh! I sat in that theater along with 50-60 other middle aged movie goers who all laughed out loud and thoroughly enjoyed this film. I give a 3 1/2 bagger (popcorn) out of 5 and it very easily could be a 4 bagger!
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