By Markos Papadatos
“Love’s Greek to Me,” starring Torrey DeVitto and Greek actor Yannis Tsimitselis, is a heartwarming new romantic comedy on Hallmark, which premiered on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
Michael Robison directed the film from a screenplay by Joie Botkin. It stands out because it’s authentic with realistic scenarios and dialogues.
This movie was a part of the network’s “June Weddings” programming event. It was filmed partially on location on the island of Santorini and Bulgaria.
In “Love’s Greek to Me,” Ilana (Torrey DeVitto) and her Greek boyfriend Mike (Yannis Tsimitselis) travel to Santorini for his sister Alex’s (Katerina Konstas) wedding, where all his relatives immediately welcome her with open arms.
The movie has elements of the original “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” film, and that ought to be taken as a compliment.
When Mike surprises Ilana by asking her to marry him at the same lighthouse where his father proposed many years prior, his well-meaning – and overly enthusiastic – mother Athena (Marina Sirtis) shifts into overdrive, excited to be gaining another daughter.
Ilana gets caught in the vortex of Athena’s attempts to “help,” including purchasing a wedding gown for her future daughter-in-law and booking the church…even though Ilana and Mike aren’t rushing to set a date or plan on having a huge Greek wedding.
As Alex’s big day nears and the preparations ramp up, Ilana becomes more uneasy about what the future may hold for her and Mike, leading her to wonder if they’re truly meant to be together or if love is all Greek to her.
Without giving too much away, this is a romantic comedy that should be experienced by all.
The cinematography in this movie is visually stunning, where the backdrop of the beautiful Greek island of Santorini serves as a character in itself in the story.
Overall, “Love’s Greek to Me” is a thoroughly engaging romantic comedy that transports viewers to different and simpler realms. Yannis Tsimitselis delivers a charming performance as Mike, and he has good chemistry with Torrey DeVitto as his leading lady Ilana. Tsimitselis exudes a great deal of charm and charisma; hopefully, this is a harbinger that he will be in more Hallmark movies in the future.
Marina Sirtis is fabulous in the role of Athena, and she is clever and witty as the matriarch. Everybody in the “Love’s Greek to Me” cast is memorable, and the same holds true for the script, and the solid direction by Michael Robison.
This new original film is worth more than just a passing glance, and it garners an A rating. Grab some Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and Feta cheese, and enjoy “Love’s Greek to Me” with your family. Opa!
Photo Credit: Dimosthenis Christopoulos
