My Life in Ruins

My Life in Ruins is a romantic comedy-drama that hit theatres in 2009. Directed by Donald Petrie and starring Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss, and Rachel Dratch among others, the film's premise is based on the delightful idea that one can rediscover their kefi — a Greek word referring to the spirit of joy, passion, enthusiasm, and high spirits — in the unlikeliest of circumstances and places.

Nia Vardalos plays Georgia, a Greek-American woman who, after losing her teaching job in the United States, finds herself working as a tour guide in Greece — her ancestral homeland. Disillusioned and disappointed by her lackluster career — extremely far removed from her academic aspirations — Georgia undertakes a frustrating job leading a rag-tag group of stereotypes, I mean tourists, around the historic sites of Greece. Besides the mundane routine, Georgia also struggles with competing tour operators, detours that seem designed to part tourists from their money rather than show them the real Greece, and an indifferent boss.

Yet among the undeniably colorful group of tourists who are more interested in ice-cream than the crumbling monuments, Georgia finds a potential saviour in the form of Irv, played by Richard Dreyfuss. As an eerily knowledgeable and decidedly eccentric widower, Irv uses unique methods to not only hold a mirror to Georgia’s problems but also steer her towards a potential solution.

Meanwhile, the misfit group of tourists, comprising lukewarm couples, bored teens, a sulky loner, enthusiastic seniors, snobbish Brits, and directionally-challenged Australians, among others, add to the humor and chaos. These characters and their quirks inject a healthy dose of humor into the movie; their personal stories and interactions on the tour provide several interesting subplots and moments of emotional depth.

Rachel Dratch as Kim, one half of an uptight American couple, adds a dash of hilarity to the mix with her astonishingly 'out-of-sync' perceptions of the ancient land. As the tour progress, so does the bond among these diverse group of people. Together they help transform Georgia’s perspective towards life, work, her disappointing love-life, and her own self-image.

Transporting viewers into the idyllic setting of Greece, the film captivates with stunning cinematography. From picturesque backdrops of Athens to breathtaking vistas of Delphi and Olympia, the movie beautifully captures the essence and beauty of the ancient country and its world-renowned monuments, like the pristine beaches of the Peloponnesian Peninsula and the Parthenon, the ancient architectural marvel crowning Acropolis.

As one might hope in a romantic comedy-drama, there are romantic sparks and they fly where they are least expected. Greece's beautiful panoramas provide an excellent backdrop for romance to blossom, further enhancing the charm of the storyline.

In addition, the original soundtrack renders soulful Greek tunes, enhancing the audience's sensory connection to the Hellenistic environment. The screenplay, although predictable at times, shines in its simplicity and provides an ample amount of humor, romance, and feel-good moments.

Vardalos, charming and relatable as Georgia, shows her range as an actor. From handling comedic sequences with the ease of a pro to embodying the emotional moments with authenticity, she carries the movie on her capable shoulders. Richard Dreyfuss in his role as Irv brings a unique blend of wisdom and whimsy that is both captivating and touching. Rachel Dratch manages to win laughs with her comedic timing and distinct portrayal of her character.

Overall, My Life in Ruins is an enjoyable film that proffers the theory that life is not necessarily about pursuing a perfect dream but enjoying the beautiful ruins along the journey. It offers elements of drama, humor, romance and a near-constant stream of visual 'oohs' and 'ahhs' for the Greek landscapes. Whether for a lighthearted laugh or an interest in the historical treasures of Greece, it is a movie that may indeed give you itches to pack your bags and set off on a paradisiacal Grecian holiday.