In 2002, indie hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding made records as the highest grossing rom-com of all time. Fourteen years later – and after a failed sitcom that we should never think about – writer/producer/star Nia Vardalos gets the Portokalos clan back together for the long-gestating sequel.

With literally every family member back on board, the sequel follows the Portokalos family as they face their latest crisis. When Gus (Michael Constantine) and Maria (Lainie Kazan) were married over fifty years ago, the contract was never signed. Thus, Maria, after realized that she’s lived in sin for decades, demands that Gus propose and marry her. Until he does, she will refuse him of all wifely duties. Meanwhile, Toula (Vardalos) and Ian (John Corbett) are trying to persuade their daughter (Elena Kampouris) not to go to a college away from the family.

The film takes what worked best in small doses in the original, this time bringing them to the forefront. Therefore, we have a surplus of Andrea Martin – no complaints there – as well as more content featuring great-grandma Yiayia (Bess Meisler). The surprise of Gus’ Windex obsession is no longer as fresh as it was in 2002, but the film keeps that to a surprising minimum.

Everyone in Vardalos’ ensemble is excellent. Constantine and Martin steal the show with their easy to adore characters, the rest of the cast following suite. Newcomer Kampouris fits perfectly in the Portokalos madness, and will give viewers unfamiliar with the first film an outsider’s perspective into the wacky family.

Ultimately, those who loved the first film will find themselves delighted with the sequel. It does not try anything new, and this is precisely why it works. That being said, if you weren’t on board on 2002, you’re probably not going to get much from the second outing.

[star v=35]